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.”