A group of local printers representing 6 major print houses and more than 200 employees are suing the Government of Belize.
The first step in the landmark lawsuit for constitutional redress was taken today with the filing of papers asking a leave for judicial review with Supreme Court Justice Denys Barrow.
So what are the printers suing for? Amparo Noble from the Angelus Press says they want full disclosure on the privatization of the government printery. And secondly Noble says government's $2.5 million annual contract with Print Belize Limited is unfair and now they want the court to declare it unconstitutional.
Amparo Noble, Printer's Association
"We're basically protesting the entire sale. We just feel that the sale is not in the best interest of the printing industry, it jeopardizes the livelihoods of the printers, it jeopardizes the printing industry and it also jeopardizes employment for about 200 employees totally."
"There are other printers who are really suffering already. First of all the government used to run the printing press at $1.3 million a year and now they are getting $2.5 million. We can only assume that all the operation costs are being covered so they don't have any overheard to take into account when charging customers. So they are using taxpayer's money to gain profits and hurt others in the printing industry."
"I know that there are certain printers who feel they may not survive by the end of the year. They have already lost jobs, because from what I understand from one of the printers, some government-funded entities are being told that they have to print with Print Belize. I certainly have not had that experience but I can assume what the printer is telling me is true he is feeling the pinch."
"We feel that the best thing for the government to do is to buy back the printer's and leave printing industry as is."
Keith Swift,
"Do you think that is it realistic to expect that to happen?"
Amparo Noble,
"I am not sure what we can expect government to do. But we want some clarification and more respect in terms of how our industry is treated."
The case has been adjourned until Friday. Lois Young-Barrow represents the printers.
The print houses represented in the lawsuit are the Angelus Press, BRC Limited, Oligraphics, National Printers, Way Printing, and the Reporter Press in addition to other smaller printers.