BNTU President Says January Demonstration is Not Ruled Out Yet

In late 2024, the Belize National Teachers Union (BNTU) voted to organise a national demonstration in January, demanding the Government of Belize address overdue teacher increments. While the government committed to settling the payments by the end of the year, BNTU President Nadia Caliz confirmed that more than 200 teachers are still awaiting their rightful increments.

During this morning’s episode of Open Your Eyes, Caliz stated that the union had initially planned a demonstration but has since adjusted its approach. “Belize is used to seeing BNTU in a more confrontational approach, and we have decided to change strategy,” Caliz said.

She added that the union has not yet ruled out the demonstration, as the month of January is not yet over.

Caliz said that the union has been “gathering accurate data” since January 1, 2025, through January 17, to determine how many teachers received their increments and whether they were paid the full amount owed. According to this data, the issue of unpaid increments involves not only the government but also school administrators and management.

“This situation is not only about government; it’s about management; it’s about school administrators; all three entities,” Caliz said, adding that the information gathered suggests the issue is “pointing at all three.”

She also addressed the broader struggles within the education system, which have led many teachers to seek alternative employment. While some leave the country for better opportunities, Caliz pointed out a surprising trend in data from the Ministry of Education. She said, “80% of teachers are going to the call centres.”

When asked if 2025 being an election year is a factor in the negotiations with the government, she stated, “Election year, or no election year, whenever you ask the people to vote for you, you are committing to improving the lives of citizens. So they’re still the government, and they have that legal responsibility to improve the quality of life for all of us.” She added, “When I approach them, I approach them with the same mantra that they campaigned us with.”