And today the minister fielded the press's questions for about twenty minutes - something that, as a long time politician, he is no stranger to. So we asked him if he believes that freedom of the press should be enshrined in the constitution - a topic that came up during the PCC's consultation with the media.
Fonseca admitted that while sometimes he does get annoyed, he understands the important role that the media plays.
Francis Fonseca, Minister of Education
"I think the press is absolutely fundamental to our democracy. It's fundamental, in my view, to the rule of law. The press has historically always acted as a check and balance on power. That's the whole purpose and objective of the press."
"So even when we get irritated by questions, and over the 20 years I have been asked a lot of these irritating questions, I still understand and appreciate the absolute importance of functioning strong press."
"So I certainly hope that when the People's Commission, Constitutional Commission completes its work, that as a part of their recommendations, and of course these things have to come from the people, so I hope the press is doing its work and getting your representatives to advance this issue."
"I hope that at the end of when that report is produced, that that will be one of the recommendations and I certainly will be very, very happy to support that recommendation."
Reporter
"How do you view the separate aspect related of officials being required to, elected officials that is being required to give interviews, the former mayor of Belize City has said he believes that that should be a right the media has?"
Francis Fonseca, Minister of Education
"Yeah, I don't know that you can legislate that. I don't know that that will be effective. But, you know, I think all politicians, public officials should understand and recognize that that is a part of your job, that is a part of your responsibility to the people and the press is providing you with an opportunity to engage directly with the Belizean people."
"We are elected by the people, we are accountable to the people and this is a part of holding us accountable. So, you know, I don't know that that will be effective, but I'm happy that that's part of the discussion. That has to be part of the discussion, you know, but let's see what comes out of the constitutional reform process."
Enshrining the Freedom of the Press in the constitution will also be the topic of discussion on tonight's Uncut.
