NTUCB film documents 60th anniversary

By William Ysaguirre (Freelance Writer)

BELIZE CITY, Mon. July 20, 2026

   The National Trade Union Congress of Belize celebrated its 60th anniversary by launching a film documentary that covers 60 years of service to Belizean workers and the union movement first begun by Antonio Soberanis, Sr. in 1937.

   The film looks back at the formative years of trade unionism in Belize, when Soberanis’ efforts to organize workers’ unions were met with charges of sedition from the British colonial government. Soberanis famously said: “I’d rather be a dead hero than a living coward! I’d rather die on my feet than live on my knees.” Soberanis was later joined by Philip Goldson, Leigh Richardson and George Price in the birth of Belizean nationalism and self-government that set the nation on the road to Independence

   The documentary examines the tumultuous years 2005 – 2007 when the NTUCB and its union affiliates challenged the government of the day with protest marches and demonstrations in Belize City and on the steps of the National Assembly Building during House meetings

   “Today is a moment of gratitude, reflection and renewed commitment; 60 years ago, a group of visionary trade unionists understood that the voice of workers would be stronger when it spoke as one,” affirmed NTUCB president Ella Waight. “We recognize those who sacrificed their time, their energy, their careers, and in some cases their personal comfort, to ensure that Belizean workers would have a seat at the table and a voice that could not be ignored,” she said.

   “Many of those pioneers are no longer with us, but their legacy lives in every collective bargaining agreement negotiated, … every worker treated with greater dignity, and every labor union strengthened through their courage and persistence. We stand on the shoulders of giants,” Waight declared.

   “The NTUCB has earned the respect of governments, employers, regional organizations and international organizations, because you dared to organize, and generations of Belizean workers have benefited. Today as we celebrate something equally powerful, the solidarity of our affiliate unions is not simply an organization, it is a family of people who are united in a common purpose. While each affiliate represents workers from different sectors, together we demonstrate that our strength lies not in our differences, but in our unity. When one union faces a challenge, the Congress stands behind it. When workers’ rights are threatened, the Congress speaks as one voice! When national issues affect working people, the Congress advocates on their behalf,” Waight said.    “As our country faces new challenges, technological change, economic uncertainty, climate impacts, migration, and evolving workplaces, the need for a strong, united labor movement has never been greater,” she urged. “We must recognize that the NTUCB exists to ensure that workers continue to have an independent, credible and united voice. It exists to promote fairness in the workplace, decent work, social justice, equitably economic development, and respect for fundamental labor rights. … It exists because democracy is strengthened when workers have representation. It exists because no society can truly progress, if those who build this economy are excluded from the decisions that shape their lives. The future of the country requires a stronger labor movement, not only to defend workers’ rights, but also to help build a nation where economic growth and social justice go hand in hand,” she said.