分类： politics

The Public Service Union (PSU) has officially commenced industrial action procedures in response to the government’s plan to transform the Tax Service Department into a Semi-Autonomous Revenue Authority (SARA). The union has raised concerns over potential threats to job security and employee benefits, prompting this decisive move. The Ministry of Labour acknowledged receipt of the notice on Wednesday and is currently evaluating the situation. Valentino Shal, the ministry’s Chief Executive Officer, stated that an official response is being prepared, with internal discussions underway to determine the next steps. Dean Flowers, the union’s president, emphasized that this action follows numerous unsuccessful attempts to engage the government in dialogue. He criticized the administration for failing to adequately address staff concerns or provide convincing evidence of the purported efficiency and revenue gains under the new model. While the Prime Minister has defended the transition as essential for modernizing revenue collection, Flowers clarified that the union is adhering to legal protocols before escalating the matter. ‘As an essential services department, the law requires us to give the Minister of Labour an opportunity to resolve the current impasse,’ he explained. Although the PSU has not yet disclosed specific timelines for further action, it has indicated that various forms of industrial activity are under consideration. While a strike remains a last resort, the union warns that the government’s current approach could endanger both employees’ livelihoods and public revenue streams.

The Ministry of Labour has officially acknowledged receipt of a formal industrial action notice from the Public Service Union (PSU), marking a significant escalation in tensions over the government’s plan to transform the Tax Service Department into a Semi-Autonomous Revenue Authority (SARA). The notice, submitted on November 6, 2025, is currently under review by the ministry. Valentino Shal, CEO of the Ministry of Labour, confirmed the receipt and stated that the ministry is preparing a response while conducting internal discussions to address the union’s concerns. The PSU has consistently warned that the transition to SARA could undermine employee benefits and job security, alleging that they were excluded from critical consultations. Dean Flowers, the union’s president, has further challenged the government’s claims of increased revenue, arguing that there is insufficient evidence to support these projections. The dispute highlights broader concerns about the financial and operational implications of the transition, particularly its impact on public officers. As the ministry deliberates on its next steps, the situation remains a focal point of contention between the government and its workforce.

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has unveiled a controversial update to the VenApp mobile application, transforming it into a surveillance tool aimed at monitoring potential threats. Originally introduced in 2022 to report utility issues, the app now encourages citizens to flag suspicious individuals or activities, particularly in light of escalating tensions with the United States. The move has sparked widespread concern among human rights organizations, who warn of potential abuses of privacy and civil liberties. Activist group Venezuela Sin Filtro described the initiative as a significant threat to freedom of expression and security, while Amnesty International cautioned that it could lead to unlawful arrests and detentions. Despite being removed from Apple and Google app stores in 2024, VenApp remains accessible through a government-supported browser version. Reports from Caracas indicate that citizens are being urged to report drones or individuals deemed suspicious. This development coincides with heightened U.S. military presence in the southern Caribbean, ostensibly to combat drug trafficking. Maduro, who has faced international scrutiny over contested elections and widespread protests, has framed the app as a necessary security measure.

The Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital Authority Workers Union (KHMHAWU) has joined the chorus of voices calling for greater government transparency in Belize. The union is supporting activist Jeremy Enriquez’s Freedom of Information (FOIA) appeal, which seeks to uncover the names of attorneys and the amounts paid from public funds in redistricting and election-related cases. The Attorney General’s Ministry had previously denied the request, citing exemptions under the FOI Act, a decision that KHMHAWU described as ‘a position that raises serious concern about the continued erosion of public access to information.’

In a recent statement, KHMHAWU emphasized that ‘the people of Belize have a right to know how their taxes are used, especially when such funds are spent on matters that directly impact our Constitution, our elections, and our democracy.’ The union’s stance aligns with the National Trade Union Congress of Belize (NTUCB), which earlier this week called for ‘accountability, transparency, and fairness in public administration.’

KHMHAWU has demanded ‘full disclosure, stronger oversight, and respect for the rule of law in all government dealings.’ The union’s statement underscores the growing public concern over the lack of transparency in how public funds are allocated and spent. Earlier this week, Eamon Courtenay, a prominent attorney, defended the Attorney General’s Ministry’s decision, stating that he understood the concerns raised by the Attorney General regarding the Ombudsman’s interpretations.

The issue has sparked widespread debate in Belize, with many citizens and organizations urging the government to uphold the principles of transparency and accountability. As the FOIA appeal progresses, the spotlight remains on the government’s handling of public funds and its commitment to democratic principles.