Benita Keme-Palacio - Channel 5 Belize

Teachers Vote to Activate Green Machinery, Industrial Action Set in Motion

More than 2,500 union members voted to move forward with industrial action on Wednesday, according to a Belize National Teacher’s Union (BNTU) announcement statement. “A powerful display of unity, participation, and commitment to democratic principles,” the BNTU added.

BNTU’s national president, Nadia Caliz, confirmed the union will proceed with a three-phase plan. Phase 1 involves a public demonstration, followed by a two-day national shutdown in Phase 2, escalating to a full strike in Phase 3.

The union is demanding a salary adjustment and an immediate increase in the minimum wage from $5 to $6 per hour. “We are willing to take the appropriate actions to ensure that government meets its obligation to the public sector,” said Coral Lord, Belize District President of the Belize National Teachers’ Union (BNTU), following a strong turnout at the countrywide vote.

In an interview on Wednesday with the newly appointed Minister of Education (MOE), Oscar Requena, he reaffirmed BNTU and MOE’s “respectful and cordial relationship,” but added that he has not “seen or received any official communications from BNTU.”

Requena acknowledged long-standing issues, particularly around the appointment of teachers, dating back to legislative changes in 2012. “Significant work has been done on this process,” he said, adding that the ministry is actively working to resolve it.

Wednesday’s BNTU countrywide meeting stemmed from recent salary increases for top government officials, including a raise from $76,000 to $96,000 for the Cabinet Secretary and to $88,000 for Chief Executive Officers, a 15.7% increase.

The BNTU was not the only union to respond to the salary increases for the Cabinet Secretary and Chief Executive Officers. In an April 16 statement, the Public Service Union (PSU) condemned the adjustments, describing them as a “grotesque display of self-interest” and “parasitic enrichment.”

With its membership vote concluded and a plan in place, the BNTU is now preparing to move into the first phase of industrial action. The timeline for implementation has not yet been announced.

Belize Receives Global Innovation Award for Financial Reform

Belize has received international recognition for its efforts to modernise financial services after earning the 2025 Innovation (Commendation) Award from the Corporate Registers Forum (CRF). The award was given for the Secured Transaction and Collateral Registry (STCR), a project aimed at improving access to credit, especially for small businesses.

According to the Belize Financial Services Commission (FSC) and the Belize Companies and Corporate Affairs Registry (BCCAR), which led the project, Belize joins Singapore and the Philippines in this recognition.

The STCR initiative was praised for boosting financial inclusion by offering “clearer, more secure avenues for accessing credit,” with a particular focus on micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

“From its conceptualisation to execution, this initiative reflects Belize’s commitment to modernising its financial and business ecosystem, aligning with international best practices, and fostering a more resilient and accessible credit market,” the statement added.

What will the teachers decide?

Teachers across Belize turned out this week for critical meetings held by their local branches of the Belize National Teachers’ Union (BNTU) after tensions intensified over recent government salary decisions.

The meetings aimed to decide the union’s next steps amid growing frustration with the Briceño administration. The BNTU leadership used the opportunity to outline a formal list of demands, particularly in response to the recent salary increases granted to government chief executive officers and the Cabinet Secretary, immediately after general elections.

“We have been asking for what is rightfully ours for a long time,” said Coral Lord, President of the BNTU in the Belize District. “To hear now that one day after the election, the CEOs and Cab-Sec got an increase; that was something that was really disturbing to us.”

Despite the meetings, teachers were required to return to school immediately afterwards. A memorandum from the Ministry of Education instructed that “all schools are to remain open” and that “all teachers are expected to return to school immediately following the meeting.”

No official outcome from the union meetings has been released yet, but the BNTU says it is determined to hold the government accountable.

Tropic Air Implements Stricter Security After Flight Hijacking

Tropic Air has rolled out stricter security measures at all domestic stations following the hijacking of one of its flights on 17 April by 49-year-old American veteran Akinyela Sawa Taylor.

Every passenger and personal item may be subject to a physical search,” the airline stated, adding that gate-check options are available “at NO CHARGE.”

Minors will be exempt from physical searches unless there is strong suspicion of carrying prohibited items. However, they must still “empty the contents of all pockets” and “lift garments that may conceal the waist area.”

Tropic Air says these steps reflect its “commitment to the safety and well-being” of its passengers and staff and promised continued updates on any future changes.

Taylor hijacked the flight after entering Belize just days earlier. Before the attack, he had caused several incidents, including assaulting a police officer, but was released. During the two-hour hijacking, he stabbed two passengers and the pilot. They survived. One of the passengers with a licensed gun shot and killed Taylor as the plane landed safely at the PGIA.

Senior Minister Appointed as New Head of National AIDS Commission

Senior Minister of State Dolores Balderamos Garcia has been appointed as the new Chairperson of the National AIDS Commission, according to a release from the Office of the Prime Minister.

In an official statement, Balderamos Garcia said, “I am pleased to accept the Prime Minister’s appointment because there is still much work to do in combatting HIV. I will strive to work with all stakeholders in this continuing challenge.”

Her appointment builds from her “renowned for her longstanding contributions to social development,” the statement added. Balderamos Garcia has stated previously that this would be her last term in politics. She is also the former Minister of Human Development, Families and Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs.

Ministry Says Schools to Stay Open During BNTU Meeting Today

The Ministry of Education has issued a firm position for schools across the country, stating that schools are to remain open during the Belize National Teachers’ Union (BNTU) simultaneous membership meeting today.

The ministry informed the BNTU National President Nadia Martin-Caliz that “all schools are to remain open” and “all teachers are expected to return to school immediately following the meeting.”

The union was also reminded about the proper way to request time off, as explained in Rule 133 of the Education Rules, 2000.

The ministry added that “further attention is also drawn to SI 87 of 2012, Education (Amendment) Rule 102 (1)-(5),” which explains the duties of school authorities to keep students and teachers safe at school.

This comes after BNTU’s Martin-Caliz urged teachers to show up in large numbers to express their frustration with the Ministry of Education by voting in their decision. She stated that the union will act based on today’s turnout.

Belize Hosts Workshop to Strengthen Climate Reporting

Belize is hosting a two-day national workshop to review and strengthen its greenhouse gas (GHG) reporting as part of its ongoing efforts to meet international climate commitments. The Greenhouse Gas Inventory Review Workshop brings together technical experts, sector leads, and key stakeholders.

The workshop aims to assess Belize’s GHG inventory using the 2006 Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Guidelines. It follows Belize’s submission of its first Biennial Transparency Report (BTR) and Fifth National Inventory Report (NIR) to the UNFCCC in December 2024.

Participants are reviewing data across sectors including energy, industry, waste, agriculture, and forestry. “This workshop not only sharpens our technical readiness but also reaffirms our role as a regional leader in building a transparent, accountable, and data-driven climate future,” a joint statement said.

It added that the workshop is key to prepare “Belize for the upcoming Technical Expert Review (TER), a process that evaluates the quality and transparency of submitted reports.”

The event is in collaboration with the Ministry of Sustainable Development, Climate Change and Solid Waste Management through the National Climate Change Office (NCCO), with support from the Regional Climate Action Transparency Hub (ReCATH).

Patrick Faber Pleads Not Guilty to Assault and Obstruction Charges

UDP’s Patrick Faber appeared before the Magistrate Court this afternoon, where he was arraigned with aggravated assault and obstructing a police officer. He pleaded not guilty to both offences.

Faber, 47, was granted bail of $1,000 with one surety and no conditions. He is represented by attorney OJ Elrington. The case was adjourned to June 24. Faber is said to be filing a counter-complaint.

The charges relate to an incident involving police officers during a traffic stop near the Bel-Can Bridge in the wee hours of Tuesday, April 29. Faber was accused of failing to stop at a checkpoint and was later intercepted on Buttonwood Bay Boulevard. Officers claim the vehicle he was driving was unlicensed and that he initially said his driver’s licence was at home.

Police escorted Faber to his Bay Street residence, where he later presented the licence. During the issuing of traffic tickets, PC Dante Smith alleges that Faber recorded him at close range, refused to step back, and acted in a threatening manner, actions which led to the assault and obstruction charges.

Patrick Faber Appears in Magistrate Court Over Alleged Assault of Police Officer

Patrick Faber appeared at the Belize City Magistrate Court this afternoon to face charges following a confrontation with police officers during a traffic stop near the Bel-Can Bridge in the wee hours of Tuesday. According to reports, Faber allegedly failed to stop at a checkpoint, which prompted officers to pursue and stop his vehicle on Buttonwood Bay Boulevard.

Police say the vehicle was unlicensed, and Faber initially claimed his driver’s licence was at home. Officers followed him to his Bay Street residence, where he later produced it. During the process of issuing traffic citations, one of the officers, PC Dantae Smith, alleges that Faber aggressively recorded him with a mobile phone at close range, refused to step back when asked, and made the officer feel threatened.

The incident was filmed and has circulated widely online. A formal complaint led to Faber’s arrest. Sources say Faber is filing a counter-complaint against the officer involved.

Faber was arrested after leaving a UDP press conference this afternoon in Belize City.

UDP’s Patrick Faber Arrested

Former United Democratic Party (UDP) Collet Representative, Patrick Faber, is in police custody after being accused with aggravated assault and obstruction of a police officer. The arrest follows an incident involving a heated exchange between Faber and a police officer at a checkpoint.

The confrontation, captured on video and circulating online, allegedly took place over a disputed traffic matter. Police say the officer involved, identified as Dantae Smith, filed a complaint leading to Faber’s detention.

Faber had just spoken at a UDP press conference at the Biltmore Plaza Hotel when police approached him. He left the venue in a private vehicle, followed by officers, and later presented himself at the Queen Street Police Station, where he was officially arrested and charged. Faber has been in police custody since.

According to internal police reports, Faber was informed of the allegations before being cautioned and taken into custody. While no official public statement has been made by authorities, sources say Faber is now filing a counter-complaint against the officer involved.

Faber left the Queen Street police station moments ago, and is appearing at the Magistrate Court in Belize City.