Every Belizean feels entitled to take for granted that we do in fact live in the land of the free. Not only does the opening line of our National Anthem proclaim it, our Constitution enshrines and safeguards that belief. Right?

This Government, in its “might makes self-righteous” mentality, is proposing to make a series of sweeping amendments to our constitution. These proposals will not only lessen the rights of each and every Belizean, but will in fact take away some rights completely and create brand new reasons under which rights may be ignored or denied. And worse - it will in some cases say that this can be done retroactively.

The Prime Minister, in typical bombastic fashion, pleads necessity as the mother of his “fantastic” and infernal invention.  William Pitt makes it abundantly clear what kind of person would use such a reason for taking away fundamental human freedoms.

Perhaps even worse than taking away fundamental citizens’ rights, however, is the move under the Referendum (Amendment) Bill, 2008 to completely deprive the citizen of the opportunity to voice an opinion on the matter, by getting rid of the mandatory obligation of the Government to take any such proposed amendments to referendum under section 2 (2) (a) of the existing Referendum Act.  The first reading of this Bill was two weeks ago. The next reading will be next week. Why the need for speed?

Make no mistake. Not only are your rights being taken away; even your very right to say anything about those rights being stolen is being taken away- and on top of that you are being told that it is for your own safety.

Benjamin Franklin’s famous aphorism serves as a fitting reply to any outrageous suggestion that extreme times call for extreme measures:  Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety.

Sing the opening lines of our anthem. Sing it loud. But never take our freedom for granted. Suspect anyone who attempts to steal it. Defend it like the very jewel Belize is.

Be first to comment this article

Only registered users can write comments.
Please login or register.