Dean Flowers

Dean Flowers, President, Public Service Union

“As I explained to CEO Williams, it cannot be that full grown, experienced men and woman would all hear the same thing. And then communicate that what they heard, and then the ministry now say, that is not what was said. We’re not talking about one person, we’re not talking about two person. We’re not talking about three person. It cannot be that everyone across two terminals would’ve sat in a meeting and heard the same thing, which is what was communicated to us, only to find out that wasn’t said. But in any event, what’s important? What’s important regardless of whether the legal counsel and the chief transport officer would have communicated what was relayed to the union or otherwise. CEO Williams said it is four months that they’re giving them. If that is the fact, or if in fact it was forty-eight hours, that’s irrelevant. What’s important at this point in time is that we have notified the government by way of the CEO and the Ministry of Transport, that the approach that you’re taking is not in line with the established rules, practices of the public service. But what’s important is that communication has started, dialogue has started to date. However, we have not received any formal communication from either the Ministry of Finance or the Ministry of Transport as it relates to the future of these employees. What you know is what I know is what the CEO would’ve said on the news.”

Flowers Claims Government Steering Public Services into Private Hands

The battle over Belize’s bus terminal workers is widening tonight, and the Public Service Union says it’s part of something much bigger. After accusing the Ministry of Transport of pressuring officers to resign, PSU President Dean Flowers is now warning that the dispute fits into a long‑running push toward privatization, one he says threatens jobs, benefits, and eventually the cost of public services. As the union challenges what it calls an unlawful ultimatum to terminal staff, Flowers argues the government has been quietly shifting key functions out of public hands for years, and terminal management is only the latest step.

                   Dean Flowers

Dean Flowers, President, Public Service Union

“The Ministry of Finance pull off the same stunt with the com corporate with the companies and Corporate Affairs Registry. The Ministry of Finance is attempting to pull off the same stunt with the police tax services department. I want to take this opportunity also to point out the public officers that we’ve been saying this from a long time, as we stated in our press release, one by one, this administration in particular, and it started on that the Musa and Fonseca regime. It is them that drives this privatization of public service into private hands, and it is now continuing under Briceno, Coye, Courtenay regime. These people are hellbent in privatizing public service and we need to see this for what it is. It will come at a cost not only to the workers but to the very consumers who are not necessarily understanding these moves of privatizing public service. You all sat idly by and watch they picked off those company registry’s employees. You all sat, I will by and watch it, watch out and do it with, with Baja Farmers far back as 2000 KHMH, you all sat back and did nothing, and one by one these departments will be picked off. Will be placed in a private hands, and the next thing that I see coming might very well be the procurement of pharmaceuticals, which doesn’t happen. But with the rolling out and the pumping of public funds in the NHI, which clearly is not providing any alleviation on the public hospitals, they might very decide that they want is one pharmacy procurement unit, whereby the pharmaceutical mafias then can then control all the money. That is currently going in the Ministry of Health. This thing is serious.”

The PSU says the fight over terminal staff is just the latest move in a long push toward privatization, one it warns could cost workers and consumers much more in the long run.

Attention readers: This online newscast is a direct transcript of our evening television broadcast. When speakers use Kriol, we have carefully rendered their words using a standard spelling system.

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                     Chester Williams

Chester Williams, CEO, Ministry of Transport

“There is no truth to them telling the terminal workers that they must resign by Friday of this week. What was instructed to them and from what I have gathered from them is that they met with the terminal workers, explained to them what is taking place and gave them the options that are available to them. Now remember that the National Bus Company is going to need employees and will need employees at the terminal as well. And so what we want to do is to make sure that we have a transition period between the first of March and the end of August, whereby those persons who are currently employed at the terminal and even those who are employed at the various bus companies that now form part of the National Bus company.  They will be brought on board with the National bus company and they will have that four month period where they can decide if they want to remain with the company or if for some reason they don’t meet the criteria for employment, then we’ll have to find ways for the terminal workers how are we going to settle with them”

Job Uncertainty Shadows National Bus Launch

With the National Bus Company set to launch on March first, the spotlight is shifting from policy to people, and specifically, to the terminal workers now caught in the middle of the transition. Even as government promotes a four‑month rollout plan, employees say they’re only now learning how the change could affect their jobs, raising fresh questions about timing and transparency. That concern has fueled union pushback and heightened public scrutiny, so we asked Transport CEO Chester Williams whether this all feels a little last‑minute for the workers involved. Here’s that exchange.

                 Chester Williams

Chester Williams, CEO, Ministry of Transport

“It will not lead to any delay because then remember I said that we have the four months transition period, so the law dictates that we must do it within a month time. We are giving it four months, right? So they’re being informed now and then we have the four months period for them to be able to decide their mind on exactly what they want to do, and then we see how we go from there.”

Reporter

“And having foreseen that this had to be addressed.”

Chester Williams

“I didn’t get you.”

Reporter

“Meaning that this is like last minute. Yes. You say you have that transition period of four months, but I. I believe that for those employees, it would’ve been good to have known about this before.”

Chester Williams

“But Marisol the talk of the national bus company has been in the in the public domain for almost a year now. And again we could not prematurely see exactly what would happen because we had to wait to ensure that we have all the different companies who are going to form part of the National Bus Company sign on to the National Bus Company. We’re just finalizing that between last week and this week where they’re now signing the subscription to Join on to the National Bus Company. So with them signing on now, we are certain in terms of where we’re going. Hence the reason it is now the appropriate time for us to go to the employees and say to them, this is what is going to happen. And again, we are still well within the ambits of the law, which says one month. We’re giving it four months. I believe that we’re on good footing where that is concerned.”

Government Investing $2 Million In Bus Terminals Upgrade

As questions linger over how the National Bus Company rollout will affect terminal workers, the government is now pointing to a major investment aimed at strengthening the very infrastructure those employees help operate. Transport C.E.O. Chester Williams says cabinet has approved two million dollars to overhaul the Belize City terminal and another seven hundred thousand for upgrades already underway in Belmopan, long‑term improvements he argues will raise safety standards and boost government’s equity in the new national system. Here’s how he described the upgrades.

                   Chester Williams

Chester Williams, CEO, Ministry of Transport

“Spending two million dollars on the Belize City terminal is not a bandaid fix at all. That is extensive repair and retrofitting. The terminal in Belize City, the current terminal is going to be brought to human standards. That’s the reason why we get that amount of money approved. And with the upgrades in the terminal, that increases the government equity in the National Bus Company because remember, as minister have said, what the government is putting into the company are the terminals across the country. So the fact that we are retrofitting these terminals, the cost for them increases. Likewise in Belmopan, putting in seven hundred thousand dollars into Belmopan terminal is not a bandaid fix either. And I wish you would take a visit to the Belmopan terminal to see the upgrade that has been done in the first half of the terminal and report to the Belizean people the comfort and the luxury that you’ll be seeing when you visit the Belmopan terminal. Come tomorrow and see and see the work that is taking place there. It is totally transformed. Look nice. You enter there you don’t want to leave. It’s comfortable and that’s what we want for the terminals.”

Williams says those multimillion‑dollar upgrades aren’t cosmetic at all, but part of a long‑term push to make bus terminals safer, more comfortable, and a stronger asset within the new national transit system.

Attention readers: This online newscast is a direct transcript of our evening television broadcast. When speakers use Kriol, we have carefully rendered their words using a standard spelling system.

Watch the full newscast here:

The post Transport Overhaul Leaves Terminal Workers Uneasy first appeared on Greater Belize Media.

Paul Lopez, Reporting

The National Bus Company has moved from idea to reality. But what exactly is it, why was it needed, and how will it change the ride for everyday commuters? Public transportation started in the 1960s with trucks and just a few operators. By the 1980s, names like Novelo’s, Venus, Batty, Z Line, and James dominated the highways. Today, Belize has thirty‑one bus operators, yet despite the growth, the system itself has barely changed. That’s the gap the National Bus Company aims to fix.

Chester Williams

Chester Williams, Chief Executive Officer, Ministry of Transport

“And certainly from May last year when we took that first step to convene that meeting at the Ministry of Sustainable Development, there were doubts in that room as the minister outlined the plan to move towards a consolidated bus industry. Many of you took your minds back to previous administrations, echoing your dissatisfaction with what had transpired over the years. And around the room, one thing was certain, you needed someone you can trust.”

Along came the Minister of Transport, Doctor Louis Zabaneh, who presented a vision to stakeholders, a consolidated bus industry to be called the National Bus Company. The vision came with the promise of addressing perennial issues such as overcrowding, mechanical issues, dilapidated buses and racing on the nation’s highways.

Anna Loague, Director, National Bus Company

“It also includes modern terminals and as the picture you see there represents what the artist has as the modern bus terminal for Belize City, and this is the modern bus terminal for Orange Walk Town.”

On Monday, the Ministry of Transport officially announced the launch of the National Bus Company, boasting extensive consultation with private and public sector stakeholders, as well as regional and international partners. In mid-2025 the ministry formed a committee comprised of these stakeholders to carry out the foundational work.

Gilroy Middleton

Dr. Gilroy Middleton, Committee Member, University of Belize

“People are tired of riding preschool buses. Your feet don’t fit, simple. We are looking at reliability, comfort, benchmark, standards, raising the bar and enforcement has been noted.”

The National Bus Company is valued at forty-nine point seven million dollars. Auditor Emil Pinelo explained that auditors valued all bus terminals across the country at twenty-two point seven million dollars in total. That is equivalent to forty-five-point seventy-six percent in shares for the Government of Belize. The seventeen bus operators that have agreed to the consolidation are contributing nineteen point four million dollars equivalent to thirty-nine-point fifteen percent shares. This is the equity structure. And with a revamped public transportation sector comes a plan to purchase a new fleet of electric buses to replace the diesel buses, beginning in September.

Louis Zabaneh

Dr. Louis Zabaneh, Minister of Transport

“So financing of the buses has not been an issue. We have had quite an interest because what we are doing is very novel. It can become a model for other places to look at. That is not our driving motive is the welfare of our commuters and the welfare of operators. All these wonderful operators here and the ones that have not participated have been in a very tight industry. I am glad to see we were able to come together and in the meeting this morning one of the reliefs mentioned is that we wont have to race again like how we did it. We will have equipment now and we will be able to rationalize the runs and all these things.”

Based on the manufacturer, an electric bus can cost anywhere between three hundred and twenty-five thousand U.S. dollars, to four hundred thousand U.S. dollars. The National Bus Company has also been established with a commitment of increased revenue for participating bus operators. Reporting for News Five, I am Paul Lopez.

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The post Belize Modernizes Transport with Unified Bus System first appeared on Greater Belize Media.

Chester Williams

Chester Williams, Chief Executive Officer, Ministry of Transport

“So to make sure there is not a repeat of what happened we have engaged Courtenay and Coye Law Firm to develop the legal framework for us. They are working on the article and memorandum of association that is going to be used to incorporate the company. I am happy to say to you that company has been formed last week, so we now have a National Bus Company. The next thing we need to work on is the PPP Agreement, it is going to be between the company and the government of Belize. It is going to spell out certain things that is going to work in favor of the company. And importantly, the National Bus Company Act. There is going be legislative backative of the National Bus Company to make sure it is protect. Now this is important for us. All the operators who agreed to be a part of this venture were all allowed to sign an agreement that they are not going to compete with the National Bus Company.”

Belize Builds Long‑Term Protections into Transport Overhaul

Belize’s push to modernize public transportation advances as the National Bus Company solidifies its legal footing, with the Ministry of Transport commissioning Courtenay Coye LLP to craft the framework that will protect the new public–private partnership from the failures of past consolidations. As the company moves closer to full rollout, the ministry also works to ensure its long‑term stability, preparing legislation that safeguards road service permits and anticipates future political shifts that could reshape the industry.

Louis Zabaneh

Dr. Louis Zabaneh, Minister of Transport

“We learnt from our past experiences and what other jurisdictions do. That is why we have the legislation that is being prepared that will speak very clearly to how the road service permits that are under the National Bus Company are to be preserved and how future road service permits are to be issued. Now, it is very possible that in the next thirty of forty years when there is another government that then maybe you would have a setting, but your point is well taken, that they can reconsider. That is what the people, in our democracy you get representatives and if they have enough to make changes to the law that is what they will do, but not without cost. What the Novelo company did not have is legislation to protect them. And once there is a chance of court ruling with cost then those things have an impact on decision making. And secondly, we are betting that because of our extensive consultations across this country that the ones who will protect because they understand how it works will be the people.”

Belize’s transport overhaul aims to stay on track, with the ministry saying solid laws, not shifting politics, will keep the National Bus Company stable for years ahead.

Watch the full newscast here:

The post Belize’s Transit Overhaul Gains Momentum with Tighter Legal Framework first appeared on Greater Belize Media.

The footage shows one driver boarding another bus, issuing threats, and physically assaulting the other driver following an incident on the highway. The BBA described the behavior as completely unacceptable, especially within a public transportation setting.

“Acts of violence, intimidation, or confrontation have no place in Belize’s bus industry,” the association stated, adding that such actions endanger passengers, undermine public confidence, and damage the reputation of the sector.

The BBA also clarified that neither of the bus lines involved in the incident is a member of the association. As a result, the BBA said it does not represent or affiliate with the operators shown in the video, and their conduct does not reflect the standards, values, or code of conduct upheld by its members.

Despite this, the association said it plans to reach out to the operators involved in the interest of public safety and industry stability.

The BBA stressed that it will not tolerate violence or misconduct within the industry and will continue advocating for standards that protect passengers, operators, and the reputation of public transportation in Belize.

The post BBA Condemns Violent Bus Driver Altercation Seen in Viral Video first appeared on Greater Belize Media.

The update came during a meeting of the National Bus Consolidation Pro Tempore Advisory Committee last week. Officials say this marks a significant milestone in one of the largest public-private partnerships the sector has ever seen.

The new company, set to launch on January 1, 2026, promises safer buses, improved commuter standards, and upgraded terminals. Over the next two to three years, commuters can also expect to see modern buses rolled out across the country.

Audits of participating operators are already in motion, with a financial roadmap expected by mid-November. At the same time, consultations with bus owners, financial institutions, and international partners continue to shape the transition.

The Committee said that the project is not a government takeover, but a joint effort to modernise transportation, boost safety, and align Belize with international sustainable development goals.

The Advisory Committee is made up of representatives from government ministries, the Statistical Institute of Belize, the University of Belize, the National Trade Union Congress of Belize, the Attorney General’s Ministry, the business community, a commuter representative, a bus operator, media, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

The group will reconvene in November to review audit results and finalize steps before the plan is presented to Cabinet.

The post 71% Onboard: Belize’s National Bus Company Picks Up Speed first appeared on Greater Belize Media.

On the Phone: Phillip Jones

On the Phone: Phillip Jones, President, Belize Bus Association

“At this present time, I believe the crucial aspect we need to tackle is that we want to continue the unity and want to continue to build on what the former president has built on. I believe that I have a lot of great ideas in moving this association forward. And one of the key aspects is safety, reliability and transparency in my leadership of the bus association. I feel I bring a wealth of experience from 97 in the bus industry, and I believe that I can build on what is already achieved and accomplished and continue to push forward, and to be an example that all Belizeans and commuters would be safe, reliable and proud of.”

The post Veteran Bus Operator Takes the Wheel as New BBA President first appeared on Greater Belize Media.

                       On the Phone: Phillip Jones

Phillip Jones, President, Belize Bus Association

“My position is not important, but the position of the bus operators. At this time the bus operators are hesitant and still skeptical, due to the fact that there has been many promises made in the past. At this point in time they are not fully on board, but they are willing to listen with what the new minister and department are doing. But at this time the majority of the operators, they are willing to listen to what the minister and the department is doing. But at this time, the majority of the operators are not with the public transport, but they are willing to listen. And my position is their position, and the majority of them that is their position. So we will see what happens down the road and from there I will get back to the members and see if anything changes. But at this present time, they just want to listen.”

The post New BBA President Urges Cautious Optimism on National Company Plans first appeared on Greater Belize Media.

Chester Williams, Chief Executive Officer, Ministry of Transport

“The consolidation is not geared at getting nobody out of a job, as you may have heard the rhetoric coming out of the bus association. Let me say that when the association speaks, they are not speaking on behalf of the majority, because they don’t have a majority. It is just a minority they are speaking for.”

                   On the Phone: Phillip Jones

On the Phone: Phillip Jones, President, Belize Bus Association

“I would like to correct that. At this moment, it is only the phase where they are asking the bus owners to participate in their presentation. We have not reached the stage to say if they agree to sell or be a part of this. At this present moment, majority of the operators want to listen to what they have to offer, not to sell. So this the membership, not me Phillip Jones, the president of the Belize.”

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