Teachers Union denies week long shutdown
If you are a parent confused about whether your children will be going to school next week, don’t feel bad; you’re not alone. Today the President of the Belize National Teachers Union denied press reports that schools would be closed all next week, but declined to say exactly when classes would be held. The B.N.T.U. leader, Anthony Fuentes, spoke this evening to News 5’s Jacqueline Woods.
Jacqueline Woods
“Mr. Fuentes, did the B.N.T.U. decide to gave all schools closed one week earlier than scheduled?”
Anthony Fuentes, President, Belize Natl. Teachers Union
“First of all, I would like to make the clarification once and for all that we did not say that we were going to close down schools a week ahead of time. What happen is that the media has said that B.N.T.U. will close schools a week ahead of time and I would like to categorically deny and say that is not true.”
Jacqueline Woods
“What will happen next week?”
Anthony Fuentes
“Okay, as from Monday, the Belize National Teachers Union will be having a demonstration. This will take place throughout the district towns of Belize. B.N.T.U. is made up of ten branches and these branches will be demonstrating on Monday.”
Jacqueline Woods
“So, come Monday no regular classes will be held?”
Anthony Fuentes
“Yes, there won’t be any classes on Monday. In fact, just a while ago we were meeting with the managers of various schools and they are sympathetic to out cause and they are supporting us, so they won’t be having any classes on Monday.”
Jacqueline Woods
“What will happen for the next remaining four days?”
Anthony Fuentes
“B.N.T.U. has it’s plan of action, but as I’ve mentioned, based on the outcome of the demonstration on Monday, then we will be able to share with the media and others what our plan of action will be for the next four days. But I would like to say that we will make sure that report cards are given out and graduation is held. Teachers are responsible, and we will make sure as a responsible union, that these things are adhered to.”
“We want to share with the general public that the Belize Teachers Union is totally disappointed and against any increase in the Social Security contribution. We are also against the retirement age and the composition of the board for Social Security.”
“This increase will affect all working people of this country and we hope that the government will sit down and listen to the workers of this country. We are the ones that move this country forward and this government should respect the unions and the workers. Let us dialogue, let us consult, so that an amicable solution can be reach out of this demonstration.”
In related news, the Belize Social Security Board has announced the names of its new board members…or at least most of them. Chairman is Yasin Shoman, while the other four government appointees are Hilly Martinez, Margaret Nunez, Rick Castillo and Anselm Gillett. The Chamber of Commerce appointee is Mike Polonio, with Cecil Arnold as alternate. The Business Bureau has named Ellison Flowers with Mel Auil Junior as alternate. As for the two appointees named by the National Trade Union Congress, those names will be announced tomorrow as the original nominees, Doreen Quiros and Antonio Gonzalez, have been withdrawn by the union confederation.
