The media also asked the Chamber President for his views on the People's Constitution Commission. The Briceno administration wants to consult the general public on how best to amend the Constitution of Belize to make it fit the needs of 21st century Belizean society.
The problem is that various stakeholder groups keep calling for the government to allow them to have a representative on the Commission. The Prime Minister said those who don't have a rep wouldn't be excluded from the discussion. He also added that the Commission must conduct extensive consultations countrywide before coming to a final draft of recommendations for his government to consider.
Here's what the Chamber President had to say about it:
Marcello Blake - President, BCCI Executive Council
"It's very young in the game, but yes, we do have a seat. The view of the Chamber is to be able to participate, have a voice, and be able to add to the process in order to ensure that it is a successful one at the end of the day."
Reporter
"What are your hopes in terms of the feedback? Obviously, there is going to be this wide national campaign to engage people."
Marcello Blake - President, BCCI Executive Council
"There is a long list. I don't think I could select any one specific topic to necessarily highlight. But as you know, we continue to champion several causes, which I'm sure are going to be a part of the discussions as you look at the Constitution. And so, it's important to ensure that our voices continue to be heard as a business community."
Reporter
"There are some groups that are calling for more seats at the table. The Prime Minister seems to want to put a cap on how many people get to sit around that table. What's the Chamber's position?"
Marcello Blake
"It's important that we're at the table depending on the number of seats. I think that's the Prime Minister's call. We also have to be cognizant that when you have far too many voices at the table, then there is just noise, and nothing gets done. So it's important that you keep the focus on what it is that's the end objective of that committee."
