The Belize Peace Movement is determined to shake up the political status quo and force the government to conduct a redistricting exercise - hopefully before the next general election. As we have reported, the constituencies are widely imbalanced - which goes against the letter and the spirit of the constitution.
In this most recent application to the High Court - government has brought in two big legal firms no doubt to intimidate the Peace Movement, which is represented only by Sharon Pitts.
Well, now they've enlisted the support of a Belizean American attorney wi9th Toledo Roots. Sarah Jane Forman is a seasoned lawyer, and law professor who told us via Zoom from Washington DC why she agreed to join the fight:
Sara Jane Forman, Legal Advisor to BPM
"It's a case about fundamental democratic rights. Right now, the electoral divisions in Belize are imbalanced, and that undermines the very principle of fair representation democracy when some votes count more than others because of how district lines might be drawn. Democracy is compromised. So it's not just a legal issue. I think it's a matter of justice and equal rights."
"I'm actually I grew up in Toledo District. I grew up in the PG area. I came to United States when I was 14. So I have very deep personal ties to Belize. I, I love Toledo. My family has land there. And that's where my heart is. I think I got involved in this particular case because it's a fight for democracy."
"And to me, this lawsuit has the potential to correct a deeply unfair system right now. So I couldn't sit on the sidelines because I trained as a lawyer. And these are my talents and my gifts that I would like to share those. If I can benefit the place that I feel my or my heart is, then I'm going to use my talents for that."
Jules Vasquesz:
"How do you expect your involvement to influence the outcome?"
Sara Jane Forman, Legal Advisor to BPM
"So, you know, I think that my role will help strengthen the case with clear, compelling arguments that expose the injustice of the current system. So really trying to hone in on persuasive legal arguments, strategic legal arguments."
Jules Vasquesz:
"Do you see yourself actually acting as an advocate or only as a legal or technical or strategic advisor?"
Sara Jane Forman, Legal Advisor to BPM
"Probably more like a strategic advisor would be my role. I'm not I've not been called to the bar in Belize, although I would like to be at some point. And so I think that probably more on the strategic side."
The case is still in the management phase. Eamon Courtenay from Courtenay Coye LLP has been retained to defend the AG's Ministry and Godfrey Smith of Marine Parade Law Chambers has been retained to defend the Elections and Boundaries Commission.
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