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Photo: ABRPO President Hubert Enriquez
By Kristen Ku
Belize City, Tuesday, July 30, 2024
Four months ago, the Association of Beneficiary and Retired Public Servants (ABRPO) gathered outside the National Assembly Building in Belmopan during the government budget debate to protest the government’s failure to ensure they received the money they were owed.
It was their second public demonstration in two years, calling for the $9 million Public Service Workers Trust (PSWT) to be disbanded so beneficiaries can receive money owed to them since 1997.
Prime Minister John Briceño agreed to meet with the retired officers and promised to hold monthly meetings in an effort to dissolve the fund. However, today, executive members of the association took to the streets again, this time in front of the Prime Minister’s office in Belmopan.
The demonstrations came after the prime minister had not met with them for two months and had even ignored their reminders to meet. “Time is really not on our side. You know, people are dying. So we felt the need to remind the prime minister that, in fact, this matter is urgent,” explained ABRPO president Hubert Enriquez.
The government has agreed to proceed with the dissolution of the trust, and the attorney general has made recommendations. However, the process has been repeatedly delayed and at times has seemed to be completely stalled, causing confusion and concern, especially given that the health of its members can deteriorate rapidly and suddenly as they age.
“We also want to request the powers that be to assist us in dissolving these funds. Our beneficiaries die frequently. One of our members is here right now; she is suffering from cancer. The prime minister made a promise to us and we know he will fulfil his promise,” said a member of the association.
The government has yet to respond to the association.
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