Charges Against Striking Teachers Dropped After Meeting with Commissioner

Charges against the teachers have officially been withdrawn.  The educators received letters rescinding the court summons. The teachers in the Stann Creek District faced these charges following a “mechanical protest action” on June 4. After a meeting with the Commissioner of Police, Dr. Richard Rosado, on June 5, it was agreed that the charges would be dropped. Love News spoke with Nadia Caliz, President of the Belize National Teachers’ Union (BNTU), who stated that their strike actions will not stop until the 8.5% is restored.

Nadia Caliz, BNTU President: “I appreciate the fact that the police department is doing the right thing. The BNTU has its eyes on the prize, 8.5 and that government needs to realize that we aint playing no games and you’re dragging out the negotiations and I’m watching all the little dance that you’re doing and we’re dancing with you because right now we want to see if you’re genuine about the people, genuine about workers. And you know that is key but right now where we sit, where the BNTU sits you’re trying to drag it out because school is closes, because you think we don’t have any leverage ? Teachers are smart, worry about the reopening. So drag it out.”

Also showing support of the teachers, the Belize People’s Front (BPF) strongly criticizes both major political parties for promoting neoliberal policies that undermine unionism and entrench inequality. They call on the Prime Minister to retract raises for CEOs, reduce ministerial salaries, and redirect resources toward a fair budget that supports workers and promotes social equity.