A former senior clerk at the Central Bank of Belize has been awarded BZ$26,998.50 (BZ$1=US$0.50) after the Essential Services Arbitration Tribunal found that her termination was unfair and unjustified.
Dapheen Bowen, who worked at the bank for nearly 19 years, was dismissed in June 2025 following disciplinary proceedings related to a personal WhatsApp post.
The Tribunal found that the bank failed to follow certain disciplinary procedures required under its Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), including providing Bowen with written notice of the complaint and adequate time to respond.
It also found that reinstatement was impractical because the employment relationship had broken down and a significant period had passed since her termination.
The Tribunal therefore awarded Bowen the compensation, subject to applicable statutory deductions.
Bowen was represented by the Christian Workers Union (CWU). CWU President Leonora Flowers said the union had maintained that Bowen was wrongfully terminated and pursued the matter through the tribunal after efforts to resolve it failed.
Flowers said the case took about 14 months and that the tribunal ruled in the union’s favour on August 28.
‘Once we rely on the law and understand what the law is, we can take our time and get there,’ she said.
In a statement, the Central Bank said it accepts the Tribunal’s findings concerning the disciplinary procedures but maintains its position on the dismissal.
The bank said the case centred on a WhatsApp post that it interpreted as referring to the use of a firearm in the context of workplace frustrations.
‘The Central Bank has always maintained that references suggesting the use of a firearm against others, particularly in the context of workplace frustrations, to be a serious matter,’ it said.
The bank also said institutions cannot ignore conduct that may create fear, undermine trust or raise security concerns, and that employers must be able to respond appropriately to such matters.