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.