And, finally tonight, we'll look at the validity of the term "cabinet confidential". Cabinet's deliberations are said to be confidential - yet they issue regular Cabinet briefs discussing those deliberations. And the Cabinet papers say "Cabinet Confidential" but from where is this special secrecy status derived?
We've been trying to find out for years- and neither is it in the constitution or the Code of Conduct or the oath of office.
Yet, it was just invoked yesterday by the Cabinet Secretary before the Special Select Committee. We asked his attorney about it:
Jules Vasquez:
"Sir, this matter of cabinet confidentiality. Do you think that through the people's Constitution Commission that could be reversed?"
Eamon Courtenay, Senior Counsel
"Absolutely. It can be reversed if we think - And when I say we, I mean Belizeans - If we think that that is an appropriate thing to do,"
Jules Vasquez:
"But it's not listed in the Constitution. It's purely notional. It's a practice and a convention, but it is not grounded in public law."
Eamon Courtenay, Senior Counsel
"Really Jules? Speak to one of your many lawyers. They will show you the provision where it is."
Jules Vasquez:
"But, sir, it..."
Eamon Courtenay, Senior Counsel
"Speak to one of your many lawyers. They will say exactly where it is."
We did check with two attorneys - and neither of them could point us to it in the laws of Belize. But, we'll keep looking.
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