CHAIRMAN OF the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), RUNALDO R. VENETIAAN, has expressed alarm and concern at reports of "violence, looting and deliberate acts of sabotage, which have affected the personal security of the people of Belize and have had a negative impact on its economy".
The unrest in the Central American country was triggered last week when employees of Belize Telecommunications Limited took industrial action, leaving the country without telephone or Internet services for several days. The workers and their trade union want government to sell or grant them a 37.5 per cent stake in the company. The impasse has developed into calls for the resignation of Prime Minister of Belize, Said Musa.
DEEP CONCERN
Mr. Venetiaan, who is the president of Suriname, issued a statement on behalf of the heads of the 15-member grouping.
The statement said: "The Bureau of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community, having been seized of ongoing events in Belize, expresses its deep concern over the situation in that member-state.
"The bureau wishes to call on all Belizeans, at this time, to respect the rule of law, to abide by the Constitution of Belize and to engage in a process of dialogue in order to resolve in the national interest, such outstanding issues as confront the nation.
RIGHT TO THE FREE EXPRESSION
"The bureau also reminds all Belizeans of the need to adhere to the principles enshrined in the Charter of Civil Society of the Caribbean Community and in the Inter-American Democratic Charter, both of which endorse their right to the free expression of their political beliefs, in a peaceful manner.
"The bureau, on behalf of the entire Community, will continue to follow closely, developments in Belize, and stands ready to assist the people of Belize at this time."
