Most businesses open, but protest interrupts classes

With the P.M.’s withdrawal of the U.H.S. motion, yesterday evening the Chamber of Commerce and Industry called off its planned shutdown of businesses. A stroll through downtown Belize City today revealed that although there were one or two clothing stores which looked like they did not open, for most, it was business as usual, albeit many owners kept their shutters down with a watchful eye on Belmopan.

One group which didn’t call off their protest was the Belize National Teachers’ Union and as expected, many primary schools did not have classes today. In most instances it was the result of teachers being absent, but there were cases where some teachers showed up, but no students were present as parents chose to keep their children home due to the uncertainty of the situation.

In the case of Belize City high schools, CXC exams and announcement of graduates brought fourth formers to school. But student and teacher turnout was low for many of the other forms, leading to cancellation of classes. Pallotti reported only having classes in the morning, while E.P. Yorke and Anglican Cathedral College went ahead with their schedules despite the sparse attendance.