Teachers Disrupt Traffic Nationwide with Coordinated “Vehicle Failures”

Wild Wednesday – that’s what the teachers have dubbed today as they collectively and strategically chose to have intentional vehicle failure at the major thoroughfares in several parts of the country.  The mechanical failure movement began as early as six this morning in southern Belize.  Love News had gotten wind of the plans but when we spoke with the President of the Belize National Teachers Union (BNTU) her response was neither a confirmation nor denial.   For a recap of today’s strike action by the teachers, we join Reporter Jaleeza Roberts.

Jaleesa Roberts, Love News: Several commuters in the south were hampered this morning after teachers staged a mechanical failure movement in Dangriga and Bella Vista Village. It is yet another phase of the strike action in effect by the Belize National Teachers Union, BNTU, as they continue to lobby for an 8.5% salary increase as opposed to the 3 % being proposed by the government. BNTU’s secretary of the Stan Creek branch, IIfasina Efunyemii, told Love News that teachers feel disrespected by the government and will continue to do what is needed to get what the teachers claim they deserve. 

Ifasina Efunyemi, BNTU Secretary Stann Creek Branch: “They took 10 % of our salaries. They deprived us of our increments and that is why we are making a stand. We already did our demonstration. That was phase one. So we are building up now in phase two because we are fed up. The government insulted us by coming back with a 3 % when we are asking for 8.5%. And that is what we are maintaining. So we expect today that they will give their official response in our fight. And our fight is not just for teachers and public officers, it is for this country. You notice behind us that they actually towed one of our teachers’ this morning. They didn’t bring any mechanical support. Instead, they chose to tow the vehicle while the teacher was in her vehicle. That’s why we are here now because we are here to give her support as well. Touch one, touch all.”

Jaleesa Roberts, Love News: While drivers affected by the blockage would not go on camera to express their discontent, they did tell our correspondents off camera that they were not in support of the road blockage. The south was not the only targeted area for mechanical failure movement.  As out west in Succotz Village, about a dozen teachers showed up to block the highway.  We understand that the teachers were hoping to carry out a similar event in Belmopan but they reportedly did not have support in that area. In the north, however, two areas were blocked.  Our correspondent Rafael Dominguez was on the scene in both areas. 

Rafael Dominguez, Corozal Correspondent: One of the entrances to the town is blocked,  blocked by the teachers in an effort to send a message to the Government of Belize. The teachers once more blocking the entrance to Corozal Town, one of the main entrances which is the one by Santa Rita. This is group number two of the teachers that is again once more protesting in the mechanical vehicular failure that they are doing and they are actually in the entrance of Corozal which is Ranchito Village.

Jaleesa Roberts, Love News: The blockage continued Belize City during the lunch hour when cars blocked the Cinderella Plaza as well as the Pound Yard Bridge. These moves by the BNTU were short-lived as police officers were quick to either have the teachers disperse or their vehicles towed. Assistant Superintendent of Police Stacey Smith spoke with the media and indicated that teachers could face possible charges for the actions they took today.  

Stacy Smith, Assistant Superintendent of Police: “Since this morning the department has been monitoring and responded to acts of civil disobedience in Southern Belize by members of the Belize National Teachers Union. The department has exercised great restraint and though that has been done, the police department has a mandate which is to uphold law and order. The offenses that have been so far identified are obstructing the free flow of traffic, unlawful assembly,  obstruction of the police officers in the execution of their duties,  and aggravated assault of those officers who were in the execution of their.  Again, the department would like to stress that much leeway were given to teachers this morning in their activity. They were afforded upwards of two hours to remove their vehicles and disperse and it was only after this request was not met that measured actions were taken as the department recognized and the commissioner himself has emphasized that  all actions that are taken must be measured, respectful  and in alignment with the effective and lawful management of civil dissent. The department knows that democracy is important for a healthy nation however whatever actions that are taken in pursuant of democracy they must be done within the confines of the law.”  
Jaleesa Roberts, Love News: Out in the caves things were quiet and so was the Orange Walk district. In San Ignacio and Santa Elena police had reportedly pre-empted the move and were on hand to deter the move. Interestingly the members of the Public Service Union had not participated but we were told that if they do decide to launch a protest, it would be on a bigger scale.

As a correction to our story, the teachers did carry out a blockage in the Santa Elena area.  It happened just before three o’clock this afternoon in the area of Esperanza Village.