By Belize Live News Staff: The United Democratic Party (UDP) Parliamentary Caucus has formally protested the regular sitting of the House of Representatives scheduled for today, June 28, 2024. The caucus claims the scheduling deviates from the established protocol of providing five clear days’ notice.
In a letter addressed to Speaker Woods, the Opposition members argue that the failure to adhere to the five-day notice protocol disenfranchises the Opposition and obstructs their ability to submit questions to ministers as per Standing Order 19(3). These questions are a crucial tool for the Opposition to hold the government accountable.
“Questions to Ministers are one of the limited tools the Opposition has to compel the Government to answer to the people of Belize,” the letter states. “There is no emergency cited that requires such material breach of protocol that consequently infringes on the Opposition privileges in the House.”
The UDP is requesting the House sitting be rescheduled to July 5, 2024, to align with established protocol and Standing Orders. This would allow the Opposition to fulfill its role in upholding Belize’s democracy.
The letter, signed by Opposition Leader Shyne Barrow and other UDP members, highlights the government’s alleged “contempt for best practices” by repeatedly presenting bills and motions on short notice. The caucus argues that this deprives them of the opportunity to adequately prepare and respond.
