And while Briceno is confident that his government can steer the economy towards a recovery, the PSU doesn't want to hear it right now.
They were insulted by the PM's careless remark yesterday about them not making a sacrifice. They said that the comments were imprudent and misguided since it is no secret that public officers have made plenty of sacrifices to aid in the austerity and recovery efforts of the country. They noted that his recent comments about the officers, as well as those about women in the case of Jackie Willoughby, are unbecoming of a leader. The first vice president of the PSU, Dean Flowers, told us via ZOOM today that, on behalf of some 14,000 public officers, they feel personally disrespected by the comments.
Dean Flowers - First VP, PSU
"I think that last night was one of those nights that my phone didn't rest because the Prime Minister's comments was going around the world. As a public officer of course I felt disrespected by the comments if most of not all public officers feel and when I speak of public officers I want to remind people that includes the teachers, that included the police officers, that includes the BDF soldiers, that includes the Coast Guards and I'm quite sure that I speak on their behalf when I say that as public officers we felt disrespected to be told that we have no sacrifice. I want to say that this is the second time that the leader of this country has addressed public officers in such a manner. The former Prime Minister referred to our increment contribution as measly and it only goes to show that perhaps they are under a lot of pressure but it leaves a lot to be desired from our leaders because we look to them to always maintain calm, for them to always maintain their composure and for them to lead us by example and for them to conduct themselves in a more appropriate manner and so yes, not only myself but I can say that the 14 thousand public officers out there felt disrespected by his comments. The bulk of the consultation took place last week and ended on Tuesday that was by our surveys and our meetings and it was resounding that public officers were not in agreement with the cuts and the freezes."
In a Facebook post, the PSU said quote, "480 Coast Guards, 2,111 Belize Defense Force soldiers, 2,307 Police Officers, 3,505 teachers, 6,383 public officers... you are talented and we thank you for the sacrifices you make each and every day to serve this country." End quote
