And in another big release from the government today - they're warning the media that we should not be airing portions of the Report on the redistricting proposals - which we've ben showing you for over a week.
A bizarre release says the Proposals are to be laid before the National Assembly, and quote, "In the interim period, the media and any other person are informed that publication and/or dissemination of the report, prior to the Report being laid on the Table of the House of the Representatives, is a violation of the privileges and Standing Order of the House of the Representatives." End quote.
Channel 7's position is that since we are not members of the National Assembly - this has no effect on our publication, which will continue.
UDP Leader Shyne Barrow issued a release today saying, quote, "The Election & Boundaries Commission has zero authority to invoke the Standing Orders of the House of Representatives.
The Elections & Boundaries Commission is not a part of the Legislature.
...No Standing Order of the House of Representatives can prohibit the media from sharing information related to any motion, bill or paper to be laid on the table in the House."
He adds, quote,
"The Elections and Boundaries Commission must at once rescind that preposterous Press Release and adhere to the Constitution of Belize which allows for freedom of expression and should enshrine Freedom of the Press to publicly scrutinize and criticize this Redistricting report..." End quote.
