B.N.T.U. to G.O.B.: Don’t Ignore Our Cry for Good Governance or Else

The national anti-corruption demonstration concluded with a rally at Memorial Park past the lunch hour.  It was a first step by the unions to effect change. The Belize National Teachers Union, whose members made up majority of the protestors, is known for its fearlessness and tenacity when taking on the government.  In 2016, the B.N.T.U. successfully carried out an eleven-day strike against G.O.B., with a ten-point demand on good governance.  Its national president, Senator Elena Smith told News Five today that this is only a first phase of action. So what happens next? 

Isani Cayetano

“Now the teachers have been very instrumental in effecting certain changes either in governance or in any other structured administration. Are we on the precipice of the unions mobilizing and galvanizing to bring about certain change—either political change or in this case as you’ve mentioned the idea of campaign finance reform and all the other ills that are plaguing our society?”

Elena Smith

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

“This is the start of that. We made a decision that today is going to be the start because we must see change and we are not going to give up until we see change. And that is why I said we are right now at the point of asking them for some reforms, do certain things to make a difference. If they refuse to do that, then we move to the next step and we have to keep pressure until they do what is right. This is not about red or blue; this is about doing what is right for country.”