Probably one of the most surprising outcomes from the October's teacher's strike is that they forced the Prime Minister to activate the 13th Senator. This wasn't something like the United Nations Convention Against Corruption which he had said he might do. Activating the 13th Senator was something he said he would never do - because it would cause paralysis in government. But, when the teachers applied pressure, the Prime Minister caved - and he signed the commencement order two weeks ago, after holding off on it for 7 years before that. So now the way is paved for that Civil Society Senator - but who will it be? The first consultation to come up with that name was held today when 22 NGO's, quote,"in good standing" met at the Biltmore. We interviewed their designated spokespersons after the meeting to find out what they had come up with:...
Armando Aban - Int'l Commissioner, Scout Assc. Of Belize
"We have all the NGO's that have been invited by the Attorney General to initiate the process election of the 13th senator. At this present time what we have done is that the NGO has decided that they'll be holding a next meeting for next week where we will father discuss the detail information in terms of how the process will imitate."
Jules Vasquez, 7News
"The list I have seen is 22 NGO's, am I right? These are described as representatives from NGO's in good standing."
Armando Aban - Int'l Commissioner, Scout Assc. Of Belize
"Yes"
Jules Vasquez, 7News
"Now we know that in this country that there are many more than 22 NGO's. Who determines when an NGO is in good standing?"
Armando Aban - Int'l Commissioner, Scout Assc. Of Belize
"Well, it is the process that we are going to discuss. We want to expand it for next week."
Jules Vasquez, 7News
"So, it won't only be these 22?"
Armando Aban - Int'l Commissioner, Scout Assc. Of Belize
"It will be a wider amount. This is just the initiation process."
Jules Vasquez, 7News
"Ok but then this list was sent forth by the AG, am I right?"
Armando Aban - Int'l Commissioner, Scout Assc. Of Belize
"Yes"
Jules Vasquez, 7News
"Will you have to confirm with the AG to determine what it means to be NGO in good standing?"
Armando Aban - Int'l Commissioner, Scout Assc. Of Belize
"The presentation of today will determine that next week."
Jules Vasquez, 7News
"So, at this point how close are we to determining who the NGO will nominate to be its senator?"
Armando Aban - Int'l Commissioner, Scout Assc. Of Belize
"The process has been initiated. That's all I could tell you that next week we will discuss further detail."
Jules Vasquez, 7News
"That seems extremely indeterminate Mr. Aban"
Armando Aban - Int'l Commissioner, Scout Assc. Of Belize
"Because a small representation cannot speak on all the NGO's. We will be widening the consultation for next week."
Jules Vasquez, 7News
"So it doesn't sound like anytime soon."
Armando Aban - Int'l Commissioner, Scout Assc. Of Belize
"Well, we have been doing it, the time is allocated to us by the 17th of January for next year and we will do that."
ABAN says there has been no pressure from government to influence their choice. We take that to mean no "overt" pressure.
As you heard, their deadline to come up with a name is January. Aban noted that no one knows for sure how many NGO's are actually registered.
Email
Print