WE've been reporting on the changes in the judiciary - which has translated into many new judges, all foreign, and all highly paid. And then when word got out that even entry level posts for a judicial research assistant are paying more than Belizean judicial officers with many years in the system….that's when a hardened resentment really started to set in.
And that is part of the reason why less than a month after the new Attorney General was installed, he received a frustrated letter from the Office of Director of Public Prosecutions, on behalf of the crown counsels. Signed by all 11 of them, these prosecutors say they're not getting paid enough for what their duties entail.
According to them, everyday their lives are being put at risk because of prosecuting criminals - some of whom have been known to target witnesses before. They point out that there is non life insurance or security scheme for them.
That's why they feel it's unfair that an attorney with less than 2 years experience at the bar has been offered a contractual employment as Judicial Legal Assistant by the government - a position that is accompanied by a $70,000 per annum salary, along with benefits and 20% gratuity at the conclusion of the 2 year term. This represents a remuneration package of $218,400.
This has, quote, "accelerated and intensified the long-standing frustrations of the prosecutors at the ODPP." End quote.
They then explained that there are two prosecutors who have similar years as the incoming Judicial Legal Assistant, April Campbell. These two prosecutors, and others working up to five years are only making a little over $53,000 per annum. They emphasize that even senior crown counsels that have been working 9, 13, and even 36 years do not make $70,000 per annum.
They say they feel insulted, marginalized, devalued, overlooked, and disrespected. The letter, which was dated July 11th, aged for an increase in their salaries and benefits before July 21st. Five days later, there is no word that that has happened. We will continue to follow this story.
