Excelsior teacher re-instated

Last year teacher Brian Plummer of Excelsior High was handed a termination letter and told that as of January 10th, his services were no longer required. The letter offered no reason for his termination but Plummer felt it was because around that time, he had been a vocal supporter of a controversial report, which had criticized the high school. Plummer vehemently protested the decision of the school’s board of governors. He hired a lawyer, went to the Belize National Teachers Union as well as several media houses in Belize City. Today, Brian Plummer received another letter, this time telling him that he had been reinstated as a teacher at Excelsior. He says he fought the decision because he wanted to show others that you can stand up for yourself.

Brian Plummer

“Why I think, at least finish off the school year, and then look for employment elsewhere is based on the students. I’ve fought for them, all of this. I’ve spent thousands of dollars fighting this situation in terms of law fees, photocopying, secretarial work, travelling, huge amounts of money but it was a matter of principle. I think not just for me but for the teachers at Excelsior, for teachers everywhere in Belize who I think they have similar situation, but might not be in a position like me to fight, in terms of the finance and being able to express myself and stuff for that. I fought for this as a matter of principle and I think as I said, I expect some future repercussions, that’s kind of obvious. I don’t live in a dream world, it’s real. I think there were several factors, cause I pursued it through diplomatic channels, making phone calls, through the union, writing letters, I also, through the media, I hired the services of an attorney, so I think all factors contributed to that and I think there was some mention on the talk show, I think public opinion did have an input on that along with the union, I have to give all thanks to Mr. George Frazer who really pushed for this matter.”

Plummer says he’ll be at Excelsior High School bright and early tomorrow morning.