COLA, The Public Service Union, and, now, the Belize National Teachers Union have all demanded the reinstatement of Moses Sulph.
Sulph - who worked at the General Registry was terminated two weeks ago. No reason was given and none was required since he is an open vote worker.
But, it's not that simple. Sulph is an activist and his supporters say that's why he was fired. Today we got a chance to speak to the Minister of the Public Service who had no apologies and did not even hint at reinstatement:….
Jules Vasquez
"Is he being penalize for speaking out as a citizen?"
Hon. John Saldivar, Minister of Sports, Public Service and Governance
"No such reason was put in the termination letter and no such reason had to be attach to that termination letter. But with respect to any public officer's supposed constitutional right to oppose the policies of a government - that is explicit in the rules of the public service. All public officers know, however I am not conceding that that is the reason he was terminated, but if their put forward that that is the reason he was terminated then everyone knows that they do not have that right to speak out against a government and the governments'' policy and still be a public officer."
Jules Vasquez
"But aren't there different regulations for open vote workers. Are in fact many open vote workers as active campaigners in various constituencies through the country?"
Hon. John Saldivar, Minister of Sports, Public Service and Governance
"As far as I know the regulation with respect to their involvement in activities that are against the interest of the government - no public officers are permitted to do that. While no reason was forwarded there is also the fact that his desk was being investigated for irregularities. Why are they not even thinking that that may be one of the reasons that led to it? Like I said no reason was forwarded but that was also within the whole concern of his superiors."
Jules Vasquez
"But did not the investigation and the subsequent termination all follow his sleep over in front of the Prime Minister's office. The investigation was launch right after that, I mean it's not there explicitly but as adults we can make a fair conclusion that after this therefore because of this."
Hon. John Saldivar, Minister of Sports, Public Service and Governance
"I have to disagree with you Jules. The information that I have is that this investigation was happening well in advance of that sleep over."
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