By Belize Live News Staff: The United Democratic Party (UDP) has extended congratulations to Ella Waight, the newly elected President of the National Trade Union Congress of Belize (NTUCB), and her executive team. The UDP applauded their commitment to representing Belizean laborers and advocating for improved working conditions, a universal living wage, and increased accountability in governance and business practices.
In a statement, the UDP highlighted its appreciation for the NTUCB’s role in empowering workers and building solidarity. The party expressed its intention to collaborate on critical national issues, including the Occupational Health and Safety Bill, strengthening whistleblower protections, implementing the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC), and advancing reforms in areas such as public healthcare, education, economic development, and good governance.
The UDP emphasized the essential role unions play in a thriving democracy and reaffirmed its commitment to holding the Government accountable for ensuring ethical public administration and resource allocation.
Addressing the challenges posed by the current administration, the UDP urged the NTUCB to stand firm against what it described as the government’s strategies of intimidation, disrespect, and division, particularly towards public servants like teachers, nurses, police officers, and BDF soldiers. The party also voiced concerns over alleged government corruption, which it claims has reached endemic proportions, undermining Belize’s democratic institutions and eroding the morale of the workforce.
The UDP concluded with a call for bold leadership from the NTUCB, encouraging the new executive to remain vigilant in safeguarding the rights of workers and addressing systemic issues affecting the nation.
