For over a year now - the stevedores from the port of Belize have been trying to get compensation for what they say is redundancy and loss of earnings caused to them when the sugar barge went south to Big Creek.
The essential services Arbitration Tribunal found that they are owed compensation but the former owners of the Port of Belize - fought them tooth and nail to get it.
Now that it's government owned - everyone expected compensation to be forthcoming - but it was not - even with the new government appointed board.
So, in frustration the stevedores and their union the CWU - went directly to the political directorate. They held a meeting with the Prime Minister this morning where they were promised a 1.5 million dollar redundancy payout. It was not the almost 5 million they were claiming but the stevedores agreed today at an impromptu meeting near the Port. We found out more form the president:
Leonora Flowers, CWU President
"Well, the Prime Minister and his team offered a new proposal, upping what was sent to us on the 15th of February from the interim board. And so it is our duty to bring it to our stevedores. And as you can see, we have a more than likely yes decision to go ahead."
"There's going to be a little bit of tweaking here and there, but we're taking that back to the team."
Reporter
"So now 1.5 is a far cry from the 4.8 that you all were seeking. How did you get there? It would seem like a small change to the 4.8."
Leonora Flowers, CWU President
"The proposal includes other consideration, which we will not say in the media right now, because we're still at the table negotiating. But suffice to say, we have taken it to our attorney and they are also looking at it. And we are going to get legal advice on this. So there's not going to be another issue that we will be hoodwink."
Jules Vasquez
"What's important is the timing. We know that elections are at hand and the government, it can't left no buttons unbutton."
Leonora Flowers, CWU President
"We're not worried about the election. They may be, but we're not worried about it. We are going to take our time with the attorney's advice, and we are going to get it back to them."
Reporter
"So then, Madam President, by tomorrow, this long drawn out issue of the bulk sugar redundancy payment could be put to rest."
Leonora Flowers, CWU President
"I would like to think so. Hopefully."
Reporter
"So then by when would any payment be delivered or made if you accept?"
Leonora Flowers, CWU President
"I cannot say today. But once we sign on the dotted line, that should be forthcoming."
