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Minister of Education Unaware of BNTU’s Salary Increase Demands

This evening, Minister of Education Oscar Requena spoke with News Five by phone. During our conversation, Requena admitted that he was not aware of the five-point demands made by the Belize National Teachers Union, which includes the 8.5% salary increase sought by its members. He mentioned that this request would need to be considered by the Ministry of Finance and Cabinet.

On the phone: Oscar Requena, Minister of Education

“The Ministry of Education has had a very respectful and cordial relationship with the BNTU. We certainly see each other as partners in education and certainly this means that as partners in education, from time to time, we have to sit down, we have to dialogue, we have to collaborate with each other and really build a respectful and trustworthy relationship. With regards to the demands, honestly, I cannot speak to that because as far as I know, I have not seen or received any official communications from BNTU in relation to what their demands are.”

Isani Cayetano

“I acknowledge the fact that you have not seen or heard the demands made by the BNTU, but they are essentially asking for an 8.5% salary increase. The government is yet to put together a budget and present it. Would this be a consideration, and I know this would perhaps come from the Ministry of Finance, but would this be something that you guys would entertain as something to look at?”

Oscar Requena

“Listen, I cannot speak to something that I have not seen, but whatever the request is from the BNTU, this is a matter that has to go to the Ministry of Finance and Cabinet for consideration.”

Minister of Education Addresses April Payment Issues for Teachers

In a recent social media post, B.N.T.U. President Nadia Caliz revealed that several teachers were not paid for the month of April due to problems with their certificates. This issue has caught the attention of the Minister of Education, who explained that the discrepancies stem from a revision of a Statutory Instrument in 2012. This revision affected the appointment process of teachers under the Teaching Services Commission. The unpaid teachers are facing financial difficulties, and the B.N.T.U. is actively seeking solutions to resolve the matter. The Minister of Education has acknowledged the problem and is working to address the certificate issues that have led to the payment delays.

Isani Cayetano

“The BNTU is claiming that some teachers have not been paid for the end of April based on some discrepancies that may have taken place with regards to their certificates and what-have-you.”

On the phone: Oscar Requena, Minister of Education

“Isani, I am aware of that situation and the honest truth is that this is something that dates back to 2012, when the SI was changed, essentially moving the appointment of teachers from the managing authorities to the Teaching Services Commission and for quite a long period of time the appointment of teachers was something that was overlooked by the managing authorities and even the Ministry of Education up until 2020/2021 when this process was seriously looked at and the whole process of dealing with the proper appointment of teachers was really followed through and this has created some problems for some teachers. But I want to say to you that significant work has been done on this process and I am very confident in telling you that the process has been moving steadily and it is not as if though the ministry is not addressing this matter.”

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.

US Defends Israel at ICJ, Says No Obligation to Work with UNRWA

According to Al Jazeera, the United States defended Israel on Wednesday at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), arguing that while Israel must provide humanitarian aid to Gaza, it is not legally required to cooperate with the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA. The statement was made during the third day of ICJ hearings in The Hague, where the court is considering what steps Israel must take to ensure humanitarian assistance reaches Palestinians in Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem.

Josh Simmons, a legal adviser from the U.S. State Department, told the court that there is “no legal requirement that an occupying power permit a specific third state or international organisation to conduct activity that would compromise its security interests.” He suggested that other organisations could take over UNRWA’s role, despite the UN agency’s assertion that it is irreplaceable.

Israel banned UNRWA from operating in January, after alleging that 19 of its roughly 13,000 Gaza-based staff participated in the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack in southern Israel.

Hungary echoed the U.S. position in its own presentation. In contrast, Russia, speaking immediately after the U.S., stressed UNRWA’s vital role and highlighted the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

The U.S. was the first country over the course of the three-day proceedings to speak in defence of Israel.

Commissioner: Faber Provoked and Intimidated Officers During Traffic Stop

Former Collet Area Representative Patrick Faber was arrested yesterday morning shortly after appearing at a UDP press conference in Belize City with Opposition Leader Tracy Taegar-Panton. Police say Faber allegedly sped through a checkpoint near the BelChina Bridge, prompting a police pursuit.

Officers later discovered his vehicle was unlicensed, and he failed to produce a driver’s license, claiming it was at home. Police followed him to his residence, where he presented the licence. While issuing traffic tickets, Faber began recording one of the officers and reportedly held his phone close to the officer’s face, leading to claims of assault and obstruction.

He was later detained and arraigned at the Belize City Magistrates Court, where he pleaded not guilty. Outside court, Faber said the charges are politically motivated and denied being under the influence or obstructing police. Outgoing Police Commissioner Chester Williams addressed the incident today, saying, “We have always emphasised to the public that they can record their encounter with the police. If you watched the action of Mr Faber, he was doing more than recording — he was provoking and intimidating the officers. He even pushed his phone in the officer’s face, despite the officer’s plea for working space.”

Williams said at no time was Faber told not to record, but his actions constituted obstruction. “The law is clear — if you do any act that makes the police performing their duty difficult, then you would have obstructed them,” he added. Williams also dismissed comparisons made by Faber’s attorney, calling them inaccurate.

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.

Baseball Federation Pushes Back on Amalgamation, Reaffirms Independence

On Tuesday the Belize Softball Federation (BSF) announced via its Facebook page the formation of the Belize Baseball and Softball Federation, following the adoption of a revised constitution by the Belize Softball Federation at a Special General Assembly on Saturday, April 26.

According to the Federation, the new constitution formalises the unification of baseball and softball under one governing body, with provisions for separate vice presidents overseeing each sport, mirroring the structure of the World Baseball and Softball Confederation (WBSC).

However, the move has sparked controversy. On April 29, the Baseball Federation of Belize (BFB) fired off a statement reaffirming its status as an independent and legally recognised organisation, registered with the National Sports Council and the Belize Companies Registry since 2019.

In the statement, the BFB said it was not consulted by the Belize Softball Federation regarding the proposed amalgamation. It stressed its sole mandate to govern and develop baseball in Belize while expressing openness to collaboration—so long as its autonomy and governance are respected.

According to the BSF, Saturday’s meeting was attended by softball and baseball representatives from Belize City, Belmopan, Cayo, San Pedro, Orange Walk, and other areas.