Case Management is a routine part of every civil suit that goes to the Supreme court. No matter how big the case, case management happens in the judge's Chambers and draws little attention.
Except when it's case management for Belizeans For Justice and COLA. That happened today and the whole media was there! The two pressure groups are taking the government to court to demand that it enact the constitutional amendment to install the 13th. Senator. He is Greg Cho'c and he would represent civil society and also shift the balance of power in the senate to the non-government members.
Attorney for Belizeans for Justice and COLA, Anthony Sylvester told us why the case is important and straightforward.
Anthony Sylvestre, Attorney
"It's a very straightforward case. It's a matter of either we are right or wrong on this issue and the legal learning on this part of the law is that we believe very strongly that our case couldn't be any stronger. It's an issue of whether the Prime Minister has the legal authority to basically excise, effectively repeal a section of a constitution amendment. That is effectively what he has done when he has not brought into force that section of the law that basically deals with the 13th Senator. He has brought into the force all the other sections of the amendment except for this one. For all intents and purposes he has repealed that, he has excised that, he has taken that out of the act. It's a very simple question and the answer could either be yes or no: Can the Prime Minister do this or he cannot do this?"
"That is why a very early trial date has been set - the 31st of March. Usually as you may know sometimes these matters have a way of taking months/years but this is moving very fast and quickly because it's a very simple matter."
Moses Sulph, President COLA
"We believe that, we at COLA believe, that this is something very important and I believe that the court will find it that the constitution or the law should be implemented. I don't think the Prime Minister have the right to decide what is best for the people of this country. I think the people of this country have the right to decide that."
Jose Sanchez, Channel 5 News
"Do you think because of the relationship strained as it is - SATIIM and the government - that may have had some impact on the Prime Minister's resistance to implement the 13th Senator?"
Greg Ch'oc, SATIIM
"Well my personal belief is that I think it has to do with my personal position in many of the issues that I have brought to the forefront."
Yolanda Schakron
"Well I think that the Prime Minister should not be afraid of the 13th Senator. I believe that he came in with his manifesto that said he has a government that is going to be accountable and transparent. We voted for him and expect him to fulfill it. I trust Mr. Barrow and I still have confidence in him. I believe he will do what is right. He will show that we are living in a true democracy and he will grant the people the wishes. We want a 13th Senator; it's not something that he should be afraid of. He promises it so fulfill it."
The case is set for hearing on March 31st….
