BNTU Responds to MOE Release on Friday’s Protest

The Ministry of Education has issued a firm directive to public schools across Belize, instructing general and local managers to keep schools open on Friday. This memo follows the Belize National Teachers Union’s announcement of a planned demonstration in Belmopan on the same day. Chief Education Officer Yolanda Gongora reminded principals that they do not have the authority to cancel classes or notify parents of closures. The memo also confirmed that school transportation will operate as usual. In response, B.N.T.U. President Nadia Caliz released a video statement acknowledging the ministry’s right to issue such directives, while questioning the intent behind the memo. The situation sets the stage for a tense Friday as teachers prepare to protest.

 

Nadia Caliz, President, B.N.T.U.

“I want you to know that the ministry is within its constitutional right. That letter speaks to keeping schools open. Nothing is wrong with that. It comes out every single time we decided to demonstrate or go on strike. The other part is this, the indirect aspect is to reduce the BNTU number on Friday, that is up to you the membership. I put that ball in your court. The ministry will send that our because they have a responsibility for education. And the management will work with them and you have seen letters come out of the management telling you hat schools will be open, asking administrators to list the names of those who are going, all of that. It is important to know that if you are going, give them your name. Now your responsibility as a member is to notify your parents and students that you will not be there, but you have no legal authority to tell them not to come to school and that there will be no class. So, please bear that in mind my dear members.”