BNTU Stands with Stella Maris Teachers, Calls for Support Amid Gabrielle Orellano Tragedy

But Orellano’s family are not the only ones reeling in the aftermath of his passing. The teachers of Stella Marries, who have watched him come into the compound each day are also grappling with his traumatic loss. Today the Belize National Teachers Union (BNTU) issued a statement of support for teachers at Stella Marris School in light of the situation.  The union said that as the matter continues to be investigated, it hopes the public will support the teachers and Orellano’s family. The union said, quote, “We also want our teachers to know that their Union stands firmly with them and fully supports them during this time. We will do all that is within our power to assist in ensuring they receive the counseling that is so vital for each of them to begin the recovery process,” end of quote. Orellano drowned on Monday, after exiting the compound without the knowledge of the school and went swimming in the hangar area of Belize City. Minister of Education Francis Fonseca has agreed that such support is essential at this time and has assured that the Ministry will be making counseling services available for the teachers and all other affected parties. 

Francis Fonseca, Minister of Education: “We have made that available to the teachers, the staff, everyone. Families, we have said to them, if they need support, we will do that as well. Whatever support they need, we will try to provide. So yes, that is absolutely critical as you pointed out.  Sociopsycho support, emotional support, counseling, these are very, very important things when people are dealing with such a traumatic event.”

Reporter: Has such a person being identified to provide that service to them or is that something you guys are still looking for? 
Francis Fonseca, Minister of Education:“Yeah, I think, you know, I don’t know the details but I know that we discussed it on yesterday, we discussed it on Tuesday and I know that the ministry has been working on that issue.”

The Special Education Unit of the Ministry has been connecting the teachers and families with counselors.