Courts in Belize found that former two top former BTB Executives: Director Karen Bevans and Director of Marketing and Industry Relations Misty Michael were wrongfully terminated when the government changed in 2020. Both the High Court and the Court of Appeal found that their employment contracts were valid and enforceable and awarded both women hundreds of thousands of dollars in damages for wrongful termination.
But, the BTB was not convinced; it maintains the contracts did not have proper board approval - and took its appeal all the way to the Caribbean Court of Justice. Arguments were heard today in a virtual session with Eamon Courtney appearing for the BTB and Dean Barrow appearing for Bevans and Michael. Here's some of what they told the court about the authority of the Minister to make the
Dean Barrow, Attorney - Karen Bevans, Misty Michael
"The board cedes to the chair and vice chair the authority to act for the board and to make those appointments. The board decided, and that arises from the evidence, which made plain that the board was kept apprised of the negotiations that were taking place."
"There are minutes that said the board was made aware that the minister and the chair and the vice chair were looking after this matter, making it plain that that was with the approval, the authorization of the board."
Eamon Courtenay, Attorney, BTB
"It is not with the greatest of respect, a technicality, for a minister and a chairman to make a decision that commits a board to more than $1 million in expenditure without the deliberation and decision of the board."
"It is contrary to good governance. It is contrary to Section 14. It is contrary to the duty of the directors to approve the appointment of the chief executive officer of this corporation"
The Court has reserved its decision.
You can see the entire four hour session online at the CCJ Youtube channel.
