B.N.T.U. says strikes was a success and teacher might keep his job

Schools in the Stann Creek District closed down this past Tuesday in solidarity with the B.N.T.U. over a growing pattern of violent behavior at schools. The proverbial straw that broke the camel’s back in Dangriga was the assault of a teacher by a parent. Jose Sanchez has an update to that story.

Jose Sanchez reporting
On Tuesday, most teachers in Dangriga came out in support of the Belize National Teacher’s Union’s protest against violence in schools. The one day strike had aboutfour hundred teachers marching, and according to the Union’s Executive Secretary, George Frazer, it was a success.

George Frazer, Executive Secretary, B.N.T.U.
“We know that we had over ninety percent of the teachers there at all levels, primary, pre-school, secondary level, who went and check they could see it. Even the education officer admitted it. And so we feel very much satisfied. We were overwhelmed by the support.”

The catalyst for yesterday’s demonstration was an incident in which a teacher was attacked by the father of a student. That teacher was also charged with assault of the student after the parent apologized to him. At yesterday’s rally, Ermogenez Leiva, who was only three days into his teaching career, was ready to throw in the towel.

Jose Sanchez reporting
“So what’s next for you, are you going to continue teaching? Find another school? Or is this it for you and this profession”

Ermogenez Leiva, Teacher, Solid Rock Christian Academy
“Well, like I said all thing work for good for them, I love God and call according to his purpose. If it’s his will I end up in teaching somewhere along the line but if it is no then, I stand on his words. I have decide to step aside at this point in time.”

But the union rep. said that Leiva was emotionally distressed and spoke too soon.

George Frazer
“He didn’t feel good, he didn’t feel wanted at the school. And that he was getting the kind of support. And under the pressure he said it would be better to move on. But after we spoke with him. After the rally and the support he saw, including a couple people from his school, he said he has to think it over. His mind obviously was not clear and so we went to the school and along with the education officer we were able to clear that up. We indicated that the education rules does allow for certain circumstances, what we call casual leave, where they are urgent personal matters and things. And so we agreed, Pastor Evans the local manager, the principal, the education officer “give the man the rest of the week” to think out his situation, to seek guidance, some advice to pray about it. And that’s where we are. He’s still a part of the staff and he is to give his decision in writing on or before Monday. And we are here in support of that.”

And while Leiva will have a few days to consider his future, the union is glad the ministry is listening to the safety concerns of teachers throughout the nation.

George Frazer
“The ministry has finally responded because from last week Friday and before we were asking them please lets be fair and balanced. Please make a statement that the ministry condemns these kind of attacks on teachers and again violence in schools. We understand they have issued a statement.”