7 News Belize

PCC Dissolves On May 16th, But One Last Skirmish Between Caleb And Chanona
posted (May 15, 2025)
Tonight, former commissioner of the People's Constitution Commission, Caleb Orozco is sounding the alarm—claiming that the process meant to modernize Belize's Constitution was flawed and undemocratic.

The LGBT activist, who served as a commissioner on the PCC, says the final recommendation report sent to the Prime Minister does not reflect the full Commission's consensus.

He sent out a strongly worded press release criticizing what he calls "institutionalized discrimination on taxpayers' dime." He claims close to $2 million in public funds were spent on a process that ultimately disenfranchised the poor, women, youth, and indigenous communities. He accuses the PCC of promoting colorism, misogyny, and classism by allowing schools to act as gatekeepers to education.

Well tonight, the PCC Chairman is responding—refuting those claims and defending the integrity of the process.

In a strongly worded rebuttal, the Chairman of the People's Constitution Commission Anthony Chanona says the accusations made by Commissioner Caleb Orozco are "disingenuous" and "defamatory."

He confirmed that a letter of concern was submitted by six commissioners on April 30th, and that its contents were formally addressed during a plenary session on May 14th. According to the Chairman, each of the eight points raised was discussed in detail, and one of the letter's signatories, Commissioner Alea Gomez, publicly stated at the meeting that the concerns had been "ventilated and addressed."

He also noted that Commissioner Nancy Marin, another signatory, later withdrew her support from the letter.

He says the final report was presented virtually at the May 14th plenary, where he informed commissioners of his intent to submit the document to the Prime Minister. He claims no one objected.

Calling Orozco's behavior a "perpetual violation" of the PCC Code of Conduct, the Chairman underscored that the Commission will stand officially dissolved on May 16th, as per the law.

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