Ruth Shoman Rescinds Withdrawal, Remains President-Elect

Ruth Shoman

Last night, we told you that the Belize National Teachers Union’s president-elect, Ruth Shoman tendered a letter of withdrawal to the B.N.T.U. executive. Well, a lot has changed in the past twenty-four hours and the news tonight is that she has since rescinded that letter. The union’s council of management met in Belmopan this morning to deliberate Shoman’s abrupt withdrawal, as well as the letter in which she stated that members have been adamant in ensuring that they discredit her since her victory back in April. As for the allegations being made against Shoman, at this time there is not much clarity on what those claims are.  When asked about it, President Elena Smith refused to publicly reveal what aspersions are being cast against Shoman. But, we know that they are being used to get her to back down from the union’s presidency. She folded under pressure on Monday, but as we said, Shoman has since walked back her withdrawal. During today’s council meeting, it was agreed that Shoman will remain B.N.T.U.’s president-elect and will officially take office on July third.  We heard from B.N.T.U. President Elena Smith.

Elena Smith

Elena Smith, President, B.N.T.U.

“As you all know, she tendered her resignation. This morning she rescinded that resignation so she remains our president-elect and come July third she is going to be in office as our new BNTU president for the next two years.”

Reporter

“So, she will remain president but what about the stipulation in your internal constitution which states that someone with a criminal record cannot be an executive member.”

Elena Smith

“Like I have said, we have met and we have said that she is going to be the president. Membership elected her and she is going to be the president. We move forward with that. At the end of the day we are one BNTU and as every other organization there are challenges and we had to face them when they come. That is what we did today; we faced those challenges and looked at how we will be going forward. We will be going forward with our president and our council in support of her going forward.”

Reporter

“Has she confided in you what sort of things people have been telling her? She also mentioned her children as well were in some type of danger?”

Elena Smith

“Those are thing I believe she will have to speak for herself. I don’t think we have the authority to speak on any personal matter on her behalf. We can only speak of her position in the union and her position going forward.”