BNTU and M.O.E. Sign Major Agreement

After months of tension and a possible demonstration, the Belize National Teachers’ Union (BNTU) and the Ministry of Education (MoECST) have signed a joint statement reaffirming their commitment to improving Belize’s education system.

Following a five-hour meeting, both parties agreed on key reforms to tackle longstanding issues, including teacher salaries, increments, and allowances. During the meeting, BNTU President Nadia Caliz stated her satisfaction with the progress and that this was just the beginning of regular, biannual meetings to address challenges.

Education Minister Francis Fonseca pointed out the ministry’s commitment to tackling some of the most pressing challenges. According to the joint statement, the goal is to ” “create an education system that meets the needs of the nation and its people” by “affixing their signatures to” the following:

1.  Salary and Allowance Improvements: MoECST promises to ensure timely payment of salary increments and allowances for teachers. A new digital system for processing applications will launch in mid-February, with the goal of minimising disruptions for educators.
2.  Teacher Recruitment and Development: The Ministry plans to expedite teacher and administrator appointments and support in-service teachers with scholarships for high-priority areas like math and science.
3.  Digital Transformation: Efforts to modernise include integrating teacher accounts with BEMIS and offering online courses to enhance professional development.

The ministry also offered 11 scholarships for teachers, temporary teaching permits for specialised subjects, and additional support for educators in remote areas.

Although the immediate crisis seems resolved, Caliz clarified that the union council will decide on future actions, including whether to stand down from potential industrial action.