O.W. Teachers’ Leader’s Vehicle Smashed; Deputy Education Minister Says U.D.P. is Not Behind It

On Wednesday, we reported to you about the arson at the home of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Patrick Faber. But early this morning, the vehicle of Otilio Muñoz, B.N.T.U. Orange Walk Branch President, was vandalized, presumably as a form of intimidation for his strong stance on the strike. Today, we asked Orange Walk East Area rep, Elodio Aragon Junior, if Muñoz’s vehicle was smashed by U.D.P. loyalists who are taking on the current situation with the teachers.

Elodio Aragon Jr.

Elodio Aragon Jr., Minister of State, EYSC

“For his windshield to be broke, for the DPM’s vehicle to be burnt; these are unfortunate incidents—to me incidents that should never happen. We live in a democratic country; people should be able to voice their opinions, peacefully. This incident is unfortunate because I think it should never have been, when it comes to the U.D.P., I can tell you categorically that the United Democratic Party in Orange Walk has never come and has never met together to discuss what is happening with the teachers in Orange Walk; it is because we believe the teachers have a right to voice their opinion. It is now that we are seeing for after two weeks; in terms of looking at where our kids are out of school. Those are things that we have to grapple with as a representative because a lot of parents come to me and say Mister Aragon what is the situation, when will our kids get into school. And those are the issues I have concerns with.  I have always been in support of teachers because I think they have a right voice their opinions but now we are reaching a point where if we go into a third week, this will adversely affect our children who will not be getting an education.”