Teachers to Protest in Belmopan Over Unpaid Increments and Allowances

Teachers will be out of classes on February 7, to send a message to the Government of Belize. The announcement came via a letter sent out by the Belize National Teachers Union (BNTU) indicating that the union will be out of class and headed to Belmopan for a protest rally after more than 600 teachers did not receive their outstanding increments and allowances. BNTU’s National President Nadia Caliz says that the union engaged in multiple meetings with the government on the issue, but that matter has been unsatisfactorily addressed. She added, quote, “The BNTU is mandated to represent and negotiate on behalf of our members and the teachers of Belize; a mandate which we take very seriously. We cannot therefore, in good conscience, sit back idly and not provide our full support to those who have been left wanting for so long.” End of quote. She added that while the protest will cause some inconvenience due to the cancellation of classes, teachers have a constitutional right to protest. The rally will be held at the University of Belize Gymnasium.