BNTU Expresses Discontent Over Government’s Handling of Sugar Cane Farmers’ Dispute

President of the Belize National Teachers’ Union (BNTU), Jorge Mejia, was on the ground earlier today in Buena Vista to register the support of the union for the sugar cane farmers.  Mejia didn’t spend much time in the area, but the BNTU did issue a press release short after, confirming their solidarity.   The release notes, quote, “we wish to register our discontent on the manner in which the Government has dealt with the situation. In no way do we support the use of a million dollars of our tax payers’ dollars as bargaining power for a band aid fix to the issue of the fair-trade dispute between BSI/ASR and BSCFA. We call on the Government of Belize to ensure that they fulfil their signed commitment to BSCFA and to establish a proper Commission of Inquiry before considering the inclusion of the throughput fees and terminal handling charges in the extension or renewal of the commercial agreement. The BNTU remains ready to lend support in whatever way we can to resolve this matter at the negotiations table.”  End of quote.