B.P.P. in Solidarity with B.N.T.U.

Patrick Faber

The B.P.P. also said today that it is in solidarity with the Belize National Teachers Union and the Christian Workers Union. Party Leader Patrick Rogers says that the B.P.P. will be doing more to empower the unions in Belize.  Rogers told the press that they are not happy with Patrick Faber’s approach with the B.N.T.U.  Last week when we spoke with Faber, he said that “It is the Ministry of Education that makes policy for education in this country.” He went on to say that they have tried to consult with the B.N.T.U. but that is only a courtesy extended.  Well, the B.P.P. was not having it. The party says that the Minister’s approach is not the right one and consulting with stakeholders should never be considered a courtesy but part and parcel of education and related issues. Rogers who also weighed in on the collective bargaining agreement involving the CWU.

Patrick Rogers

Patrick Rogers, Leader, B.P.P.

“Clearly the teachers fight is another attempt at union busting. While the Minister get lee wind under his wings now weh the teachers backed off from the industrial actions in 2016. Now, they feel they deh toppa toppa and they could strong arm the teachers. Now, we just the ring the bell and mek deh know that the teachers have solidarity not just among the rank and file of the union’s membership, but there are alternative bodies out here like the BPP that stands in full solidarity with the BNTU in their call to get some negotiations out the way and put together a CBA. We are saying that the Minister needs to listen to the teachers before he makes his decisions. The attitude he has taken is this top-down attitude that I have the right to make the law and determine this. I nuh need to consult you. I am doing a courtesy when I consult you – and we are saying, no, no. No, no, no. That is how it used to be done. Ms Elena understands how it should be done and she is putting her foot down and says we need to be consulted. It is a unilateral plan by the Cabinet monarchy. All the ministers do is to run it by the colleagues in Cabinet. So, sixteen people in the House and few more in senate are deciding what is best for Belize? The stakeholders must be consulted.”