“There Will Be Consequences”, MOE Minister to B.N.T.U. Benque Branch
The Belize National Teachers Union, Benque Viejo Branch says that its members have agreed not to host the town’s school parade tomorrow, as scheduled by the Ministry of Education. The B.N.T.U. Benque Branch contends that September fifteenth coincides with Guatemala’s Independence Day. In a letter to principals and local managers of the town, Branch President Andrew Arnold wrote, “given the sensitivity of this matter, it is in the best interest of our community and our members to continue the tradition of parading on the 20th of September. This decision is not intended to offend or disrespect the role of MOE planning”. Well, this decision is not sitting well with the Minister of Education, Francis Fonseca who says one has nothing to do with the other. According to Fonseca, there will be consequences.
Francis Fonseca
Francis Fonseca, Minister of Education
“It is very regrettable, it is disappointing. I understand the BNTU executive that made this decision was just sworn in yesterday. These are people who have worked to undermine the outgoing president. I view it as mischief, political mischief. I won’t mince words. One of the key activist in the BNTU working on this matter, her husband is running for mayor for the UDP. So, I don’t want to mince words. They have every right to do what they want but I want the Belizean people to understand what is happening. What better way, if it is Guatemala Independence, what better way of ensuring you are sending a clear strong signal we are proud to be Belizeans. WE are Belizeans. What does that have to do with Guatemala’s Independence Day. In fact , the message would be louder and clear on that day, to send a clear signal to everyboduy in your community, waving your Belizean flags, children waving their Belizean flags, singing the national anthem, saying the national prayer of Belize on that day and saying proudly we are Belizeans and we are not afraid of anybody else or worrying about Guatemala’s independence day. So I think it is wrong headed and a very irresponsible decision and they have absolutely not authority to send out any release to the schools in that community saying that they are going to do what they want to do. There will be consequences for that.”
Paul Lopez
“Is that to say the program is still on schedule for the other school according to the MOU.”
Francis Fonseca
“Yes that is the case. The program is still on schedule and that has not change.”
Francis Fonseca
