BTNU to Rebound After Former President’s Resignation, Says Education Minister

Minister of Education Francis Fonseca says that the Belize National Teachers Union will rebound after its former President, Ruth Shoman, resigned less than two months after being elected. Shoman’s decision to demit office came after several allegations were brought against her by members of the union. The union has been noted as one of the strongest labor associations in the country, but have the recent issues within the BTNU affected its image? Minister Fonseca says he doesn’t believe so. 

Francis Fonseca, Minister of Education: “The Belize National Teachers Union obviously has a long, proud history of service to our nation and I have always had great respect for the union leaders. You know, Senator Elena had a good working relationship with our ministry and I. The same with President Ruth Shoman during her brief tenure. I have already had an opportunity to talk to the acting president Mr. Jorge Mejia and again, we have both agreed that we want to continue our collaboration in the interest of education, you know, in a positive, open, transparent way. So yes the Union is going through some difficult times. There are divisions in the Union which are, I find, very disappointing. But I know that the Union will rebound as it has always done and will once again be on the forefront of defending the rights of teachers and we look forward to working with them.”