Teachers Strike during Senate Debate; Day 3
Today marks three consecutive days of strike action by the Belize National Teachers Union. Once again, teachers took to the National Assembly steps, as they did during last week’s House of Representatives budget debate. Only this time, there was an even larger turnout as teachers were bused in from all ten branches across the country. The size of the crowd changed, but the message remained the same – teachers continue their call for the government to fully implement UNCAC and its accompanying legislation. News Five was covering the event this morning and during a break, spoke to Jose Mejia, the First Vice President of the B.N.T.U.
Jose Mejia, First Vice President, National B.N.T.U.
“You know that we have ten branches from north south east and west. We were unable to bring all of our membership and those who wanted to participate, because we know safety and the covid regulations is our priority and the safety of our teachers is our priority. So these are just a few members out here today.”
Paul Lopez
“It’s a few, but it is still a large number of teachers. Speak to what COVID protocols where spoke to or what advice were given to teachers out here today.”
Jose Mejia
Jose Mejia
“We advised them that they need to follow all the regulations in place. Please wear your mask, have your hand sanitizers, keep your distance and so forth. The safety of our teachers is priority. We cannot go against it. Also the buses they were not full, we had 75 seating capacity, because of the same reason.”
Paul Lopez
“Is this turnout larger than what we saw at the two days of the house meeting?”
Jose Mejia
“Yes, it was larger because a few branches brought two buses. They were given the position to bring two buses. So we have a little bit more than last time.”
Paul Lopez
“Is it, in your view, that more teachers are now convinced that they need to be out here to stand up and voice their concerns?”
Jose Mejia
“Definitely, more teachers are convinced and more teachers believe in our fight and our stand here today, and they will continue joining us.”
Paul Lopez
“And what is the message? The message remains the same I believe.”
Jose Mejia
“Yes the message is the same and it is clear. We want good governance and we want these things in place before they even have the conversation of salary cuts.”
