2025-05-09 - Channel 5 Belize

A Sea of Protest: Teachers and Public Officers March on Belmopan

Belmopan was awash in green and yellow today as thousands of teachers and public officers took to the streets in a powerful show of unity and frustration. An estimated three thousand, five hundred demonstrators rallied against the Briceño administration, marking the launch of phase one of the Belize National Teachers Union’s three-phase protest plan. At the heart of their demands? A call for an eight-point-five percent salary increase—one of five key issues the union is pressing. The protest was sparked by the government’s recent decision to raise the salaries of Chief Executive Officers and the Cabinet Secretary at the start of its second term, a move that didn’t sit well with many in the public sector. Despite a last-minute invitation from the government to meet at the negotiation table on May 13th, the union pressed forward. The message from the streets was loud and clear: they’re ready to fight for what they believe is fair. Paul Lopez was on the ground and brought us the full story in tonight’s newscast.

Paul Lopez, Reporting

The streets of Belmopan were packed this morning as thousands of demonstrators marched to send a strong message to the Briceno administration: public officers are fed up and ready to be heard. Leading the charge were members of the Belize National Teachers Union, joined by the Public Service Union and the Association of Public Service Senior Managers. At the front of the crowd was BNTU President Nadia Caliz, who didn’t hold back. In a fiery interview on the ground, Caliz called out Chief Executive Officer in the Ministry of Education, Dian Maheia, and school managers, accusing them of turning a blind eye to teachers’ struggles. At the heart of the protest is a demand for an 8.5% salary increase—just one of five key issues the union is pushing. With chants, signs, and a sea of green shirts, today’s demonstration made one thing clear: the fight for fair compensation is far from over.

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

“If this was up to ministry of education, you already know what will happen, because she is talking already. What I need her to do is to take out of whatever millions there and fix the issues in education, the real issues and lets start getting after these managers abusing the teachers, let’s get after these managers that are not fixing these classrooms. Let us confront the elephant in the room. Because what you all do, this is why I am fired up, some of these management are not doing their job as management and the side with managements and condone the bullshit and that is why you see them running to management, because I cover your dirt and you cover my dirt, but the BNTU will not be silenced. That is the kind of bullshit and we will talk about it, because you will solve it.”

A warning couldn’t stop the wave of green that swept through Belmopan today. Ahead of the demonstration, teachers from Catholic public schools were reminded that skipping class to protest could cost them a day’s pay. But that didn’t stop them. According to Caliz, over three thousand, five hundred demonstrators showed up anyway—loud, united, and undeterred. Their message to the Briceno administration rang out clearly: respect, fairness, and better pay are non-negotiable.

PSU Member 1

“We want government to ensure they respect the union, and certainly we want our reward as well and if they don’t there will be resilience.”

BNTU Member 1

“No money for me, means no money for you. No money for me, means no money for you. We value teachers. We matter.”

BNTU Member 2

“The CEOs say they deserve it, CEOs we deserve it too. CEO we do more so deserve it too. PM, don’t be arrogant we deserve our salary adjustment, listen to us, listen to us, everybody here.”

As government officials gathered for the ceremonial opening of parliament at the Sir Edney Cain Building, a different kind of gathering was unfolding just outside. Thousands of demonstrators, led by the Belize National Teachers Union, marched around the entire Belmopan Ring Road—making sure their presence was felt, even if they couldn’t get close. Security barriers kept the crowd at a distance, blocking them from reaching the very leaders their chants and signs were aimed at.

Nadia Caliz

“They are not worried about that, just hearing the BNTU speaks volumes, just seeing the BNTU speaks volumes, we don’t have to be before them for the see us. They know what we are capable of.”

Just as the demonstration was looping back to its starting point, a buzz rippled through the crowd: the government’s ceremonial event was wrapping up, and officials were making their exit. Without missing a beat, a group of determined teachers picked up the pace. Leading the charge, they found a back entrance to the Sir Edney Cain Building’s compound—just in time to cross paths with Deputy Prime Minister Cordel Hyde. Hyde, who is part of the government’s negotiating team set to meet with union leaders on May thirteenth, was met face-to-face by the very educators demanding change. It was an unplanned but powerful moment—one that underscored just how serious these demonstrators are about being seen and heard.

BTNU Member 3

“Let me tell you something, for me in the PUP you are one of the best and I expect you to fight for us. I watch how you speak with love for our country, please listen to our cries.”

Cordel Hyde, Deputy Prime Minister

“We will meet on Tuesday and that negotiation will take place in earnest. We usually have very serious discussions but in a cordial respectful and insightful way and I expect the same to take place when we get together on Tuesday.”

But President of the Public Service Union, Dean Flowers, is not so optimistic about that March thirteenth meeting. According to the union representative, without a clear agenda on the table, any upcoming discussions with the government could unravel in minutes. “You can’t negotiate in the dark,” he warned, stressing the need for structure and transparency ahead of the May thirteenth meeting.

Dean Flowers, President, P.S.U.

“To be honest with you, the only thing that can be expected is that the meeting last ten minutes, because I don’t know what it is that we are going there to talk about. Similar to the prime minister, the only meeting he would have convened without the union, they showed up without an agenda. How can we prepare, how can I know what to expect.”

Today’s demonstration also saw the presence of NTUCB Senator Glenfield Dennison.

Glenfield Dennison, NTUCB Senator

“These are not crying for money, these people are crying for money, they are crying because they want to live comfortable doing the job they chose to do.”

Spokesperson for the Maya Leaders Alliance, Christina Coc.

Christina Coc, Spokesperson, MLA/TAA

“The teachers are calling for a dignified life, the right to a dignified life, that is not different than what the alcaldes have always been calling for.”

And, Christian Workers Union President, Leonarda Flowers.

Leonora Flowers, President, C.W.U.

“The government cannot continue to do what they want to do. The last aggression they did was increase salaries to the CEOs.”

Reporting for News Five, I am Paul Lopez

BNTU President: “Boss You Didn’t Recognize Us”

What started as a planned demonstration swelled in size after comments made by the Ministry of Education’s C.E.O., Dian Maheia, on national television Thursday morning. According to B.N.T.U. President Nadia Caliz, Maheia’s remarks during her Open Your Eyes appearance struck a nerve with educators already frustrated over stalled salary negotiations. The result? A reported twenty-five percent spike in turnout at today’s protest in Belmopan. Caliz didn’t mince words, accusing the Briceno administration of operating with what she called an “Animal Farm” mentality—a reference to perceived inequality and favoritism in how salary increases are being handled. The message from the union was clear: teachers are watching, and they’re ready to push back.

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

“They took issue with the CEO. They took issue with certain things the chief said and they found the CEOs response to be arrogant. I did not ask for a raise, my boss gave me and now they want to demonstrate against me. In my view, she should have been quiet. So, since the boss recognized her good effort, even though we have people suffering with increments and whatnot. And we have made strides in certain areas, I wont say no. But our teachers are saying, boss you didn’t recognize us, because it is the same boss. It is an animal farm type of mentality we see happening. So at the bottom we are trying to make sure we get to the front of the line. Today is the demonstration of that.”

Paul Lopez

“What happens next?”

Nadia Caliz

“We go to the table, and we engage in phase two based on what they say to us at the table.”

Paul Lopez

“So that could be the do all, end all of this.”

Nadia Caliz

“And that would be perfect for this group. We still have the CBA, we still have other issues to address under the CBA.”

Paul Lopez

“And at the end of the day, these teachers want to be in the classroom.”

Nadia Caliz

“They do and I will be quite honest with you, they do, but they believe they have not been treated with disrespect and they have to show that they do not appreciate disrespect, they do not appreciate that they are being pushed aside. The hard work they do need to be recognized. The love they have for these students and the classroom needs to be recognized. I love the letter from the prime minister saying he will work with the unions and I hope he understands what that means, because some of us all we see is blue, blue blue, red, red, red.”

PSU President Slams Lavish CEO Perks Amid Worker Struggles

Public Service Union President Dean Flowers didn’t hold back as he took aim at the Briceño administration—and its predecessors—during Friday’s fiery protest in Belmopan. Flowers accused successive governments of treating public officers like second-class citizens, saying they’ve been handed “crumbs” while Chief Executive Officers enjoy what he described as lavish lifestyles. His remarks added fuel to an already heated demonstration, as public officers and teachers continue to demand fairer treatment and a long-overdue salary increase.

Dean Flowers, President, P.S.U.

“I know that the Briceño administration, the Barrow administration, the Musa administration and even the Esquivel administration, I know part of their formula is throw crumbs to them and keep them hungry, just don’t let them die. Their formula is not to uplift all of us and make them live like Thea Garcia and the CEOs who can travel the world for weekends, take a trip for the weekend. I know that is not the game plan to have us uplifted like that. But we must be treated with dignity and we will not allow you to continue to throw crumbs to us. We have a right to raise our voice every time you raise your voice. And, as a citizen of this country I will continue to exercise that right and let them know that none of you are better than me.”

PM Briceño Says Union Demands Amounts to $64 Million

Prime Minister John Briceño is urging caution as pressure mounts from unions demanding an 8.5% salary increase. Speaking to reporters after the ceremonial opening of Parliament this morning, the PM made it clear: the government’s budget isn’t limitless. “There’s only one pie,” Briceño said, explaining that meeting the unions’ request would add a staggering sixty-three million dollars to the national wage bill. He warned that giving in without careful planning could force the government to slash key social programs. While the unions say they’re fighting for fairness, the PM says it’s a balancing act—and one that could come with tough trade-offs.

Prime Minister John Briceño

“I think it is their right to make those demands and ask of the government. It is our responsibility to meet with them and see what we could afford. If we can afford that we will give it to them. If we can give them more we will gladly give it to them, but we have to look at the gambit of what we have. The pie is one size. It is not bigger and it is growing slowly but the demands are growing even larger. The ministry of finance made a quick estimate of what they are asking, that will add another sixty-three million dollars to the wage bill. The wage bill is over seven hundred million dollars. It gives us time to think that if we do that recklessly then we may have to cut social programs or other things we want to do, so it is a balancing act from our end. So we sit down and try to talk to them to find a common ground that can meet some of their objectives but at the same time for us to be a responsible government.”

“Blame Me,” Says PM, as C.E.O. Pay Hike Sparks Union Outrage

The government’s decision to raise the salaries of Chief Executive Officers and the Cabinet Secretary has ignited outrage among unions—and fueled Friday’s massive protest in Belmopan. For many public officers and teachers, it was the move that pushed them over the edge. But Prime Minister John Briceño isn’t dodging the fallout. Speaking to reporters, he acknowledged the backlash and took full responsibility. Still, Briceño defended the decision, pointing out that the C.E.O. pay hikes totaled around three hundred thousand dollars—a far cry from the sixty-four million dollars it would take to meet the unions’ demand for an eight-point-five percent salary increase.

Prime Minister John Briceño

“The thing is when you look at that, we are looking at the hundred thousand dollars versus sixty-four million dollars, do the math.”

Marion Ali

“What consideration would you be willing to give them. I know you wrote to say yhat your team will meet with them. What consideration will you give at this time?”

Prime Minister John Briceño

“Well it is not for me to decide. It is for the group of ministers to meet with them, the DPM along with Minister Fonseca, Coye, Charles Usher, for them to meet and see what best they can find a common ground and come to me and then take it to the Cabinet.”

Reporter

“Will you meet a demand in time for the meeting. They say to answer all their communications that you have not answered before they meet. Are you prepared to do that?”

Prime Minister John Briceño

“We have answered. We have said that we have appointed a committee from within the Cabinet. So they are to meet and then they start the discussion.”

Reporter

“But do you blame Stuart Leslie the Cabinet secretary, because it is he who has the government early into the second term locked into the dispute, because he went ahead and have these lavish increases.”

Prime Minister John Briceño

“I don’t want to start an argument with you, not today, but I don’t know how you could describe it as lavish because it is really not lavish and at the end of the day I have to take responsibility as the prime minister and minister of finance so if you want to blame anyone blame me, I will take the blame.”

Top Cop Praises Peaceful Protest, Credits Diplomacy and Discipline

As thousands marched through the capital demanding better pay and fair treatment, Commissioner of Police Doctor Richard Rosado says the day unfolded just as planned—peacefully. Speaking after the demonstration, Rosado commended the unions for organizing a calm and incident-free protest. He also revealed that officers were instructed to take a diplomatic approach if tensions rose, ensuring that the focus remained on safety and respect.

Dr. Richard Rosado, Commissioner of Police

“First of all I want to say that the unions have a right to protest but they must do so within the context of the law and for all I know the unions have always done a peaceful demonstration. So, they are within their rights.”

Reporter

“Right now they are very close to the event, are they sanctioned to be here?”

Dr. Richard Rosado

“The event has been concluded so they are not in breach of any the conditions of the bond and the security threat is at a minimum at this point.”

Reporter

“Talk about what it took to organize this event, a lot of police officers were stationed across the ring road.”

Dr. Richard Rosado

“Well honestly, we were anticipating a larger crowd, but it did not turn tu to the size we are anticipating. Our police efforts are based on the threat assessment and based on the threat assessment we will post our police officers to ensure they can protest and protest doing so peacefully.”

Reporter

“Did the officers face any resistance of difficulties dealing with the demonstration.”

Dr. Richard Rosado

“No, for the most part the teachers have been very peaceful and operating within the context of the law.”

Reporter

“What was your advice to officers this morning?”

Dr. Richard Rosado

“Whenever we have a demonstration, our first approach and I have emphasized this, that they much approach whoever is approaching in a diplomatic manner.”

New Term, Big Moments: Parliament Opens with Applause and Urgency

The first official sitting of the House of Representatives since the March twelfth general elections took place this morning in front of the Sir Edney Cain Building, setting the tone for the Briceño administration’s second term. Members of both the House and Senate gathered for the ceremonial event, which featured speeches from Speaker of the House Valerie Woods, Governor-General Dame Froyla T’zalam, and Prime Minister John Briceño. But it was a moment of real-life heroism that stole the spotlight. The Prime Minister paused to recognize Tropic Air pilot Howell Grange and passenger Jair Castaneda, who helped prevent a potentially deadly hijacking on April seventeenth. Both men were present and received a standing ovation. Another passenger, Fitzgerald Brown, remains hospitalized. Briceño also addressed the recently declared State of Emergency, signaling that serious national issues are already on the table as the new term begins. News Five’s Marion Ali has the full story in tonight’s newscast.

Marion Ali, Reporting

With the sound of the Belize Defense Force band leading the way, the ceremonial Sitting of the House of Representatives officially welcomed the country’s newly configured government this morning. In a formal yet spirited event, Valerie Woods was sworn in once again as Speaker of the House, joined by Marconi Leal Jr., who took the oath as Deputy Speaker. One by one, the newly elected parliamentarians followed suit, taking their Oath of Allegiance and marking the start of a fresh legislative term. Governor General Dame Froyla Tzalam is calling on the government to step up its efforts in education, saying it’s key to shaping the next generation of Belizean leaders. She emphasized the need to strengthen critical areas in the education system to ensure young Belizeans are equipped with the tools they need to succeed.

Dame Froyla Tzalam, Governor General

“Government will continue to work towards greater economic opportunity and social justice to improve the lives of every Belizean with well-paying and meaningful work. As a nation, we must immediately create a technological revolution to support our efforts to enhance our primary and tertiary sectors. Government is proposing an ambitious agenda to keep our country moving on this path.”

Prime Minister John Briceño is promising a more collaborative approach as his government begins its new term, vowing to work closely with all stakeholders to move the country forward. Speaking at the assembly, Briceño also addressed the controversial State of Emergency declared earlier this week. He defended the move as a necessary step to restore calm and crack down on rising criminal activity.

Prime Minister John Briceño

“The intra-gang wars that kill Belizeans, that spread fear through our otherwise peaceful neighborhoods and communities, which threatens our way of life must be defeated. My government intends to take every step needed to rid this cancer. In addition to the State of Emergency, which is a temporary measure, we will continue our extensive efforts at mediating and offering alternatives to violence. Our government has dedicated substantial human and monetary resources to mediation. On the other side of the coin, resources and resolve continue to flow to the police department to ensure that additional well-trained personnel can be deployed to problem areas without sacrificing the security of the wider community.”

With crime high on the national agenda, Prime Minister John Briceño announced a series of new security measures aimed at restoring peace and order across Belize. The PM revealed that a new network of security cameras will soon be rolled out, and over two hundred police recruits are set to graduate next month from the Police Training Academy, adding fresh boots on the ground. He also shared plans to build additional police stations across the country to strengthen law enforcement presence in key areas. Before wrapping up, Briceño took a moment to honor real-life heroes. Tropic Air pilot Howell Grange and employee Jair Castaneda, who were injured while helping to stop a hijacking on April seventeenth, were present at the sitting and received a standing ovation. Another passenger, Fitzgerald Brown, remains hospitalized. It was a moment of gratitude and resolve—one that underscored the government’s dual focus on public safety and national pride.

Prime Minister John Briceño

“All three men were badly injured in an almost two-hour long ordeal, but because they would not give up and because they kept their wits, all passengers survived to tell the tale. Because of the bravery of these men, the hijacker was neutralized before he could harm any other passengers aboard flight that day. Imagine if you will, that were it not for these men and the quick thinking and calm of Captain Grange, that plane could have been forced down in a populated area, causing mass casualties. This is real adversity, and it took real courage to avert it.”

The Port of Belize project, reacquired by the Briceno’s last administration, was another topic in his speech. The project, he said, is now in need of repair and expansion.

Prime Minister John Briceño

“We are moving forward with a massive development project that is intended to transform the cargo, bulk, and cruise facilities in an environmentally responsible way. The port is Belize’s marine access to the world. It must hasten to ensure that the on-land facilities and the channel and harbor provide the most cost-effective on-time, efficient link.”

The sugar industry, long considered the economic lifeblood of northern Belize, took center stage in Prime Minister John Briceño’s address during the ceremonial opening of Parliament. Fresh off the heels of a recently completed Commission of Inquiry, the PM announced plans to reform and modernize the sector. Marion Ali for News Five.

Coming Soon, a Newly Renovated Parliamentary Building

While she may not be able to preside over every House session due to ongoing cancer treatment, Speaker of the House Valerie Woods remains focused on progress. In today’s ceremonial sitting, Woods confirmed that newly appointed Deputy Speaker Marconi Leal Junior will step in when needed. But she also shared her excitement about the future of parliament—highlighting the soon-to-be-unveiled renovated chamber, complete with upgraded tools, revised Standing Orders, and a new Code of Conduct to better guide the work of the House. Despite personal challenges, Woods’ message was one of optimism and readiness for a more modern, accountable legislative process.

Valerie Woods, Speaker of the House

“ Later this year, after 55 years since the construction of the National Assembly Building, we anticipate the opening of a newly renovated and more accessible contemporary space first. Furthermore, this year, we should witness the implementation of a user-friendly parliamentary website. And the first ever Parliament’s distinctive logo for the legislature as a separate branch of government. Additionally, during this session of the House of Representatives, we should be revising the Standing Orders and establish a code of conduct. In regard to the administrative management under the stewardship of the clerk, we will be implementing the recommendations from the planning tools for enhanced governance, which were made possible with the assistance of the U.N.D.P. Belize office based on the review conducted by the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association.”

PM Said Budget Delay was Caused by Adjustments

Prime Minister John Briceño is setting the record straight: there was no delay in calling the first parliamentary session—just careful planning. Speaking to reporters, the PM explained that the timing of the session is entirely up to the government, and they chose what they believed was the right moment. During that time, the government was also fine-tuning the national budget. Some had speculated that the delay was linked to the U.S. government’s cancellation of the Millennium Challenge Corporation grant, which had been approved last June for poverty-alleviation projects. But Briceño dismissed that theory, saying the budget adjustments had little to do with the MCC decision.

Prime Minister John Briceño

“We wanted to make it. Even a bigger event. We were trying to see if we could have gotten somebody to come to Belize to address the first opening of Parliament. But it did that work out because that person’s schedule just did not work. But it also gave us time to make a readjustment with the budget. The budget was almost finished, but because we changed some departments and some ministries were reconfigured, it took a little bit of time to be able to fix that, so it was not deliberate but here we are today.”

Reporter

“Any of the issues had to do with the cancellation of the M.C.C.? Did that affect the government’s budget?

Prime Minister John Briceño

“No, the MCC is not a part of the budget, so that has nothing do – that played no role.”

Marion Ali

“Then how will the government finish the projects?

Prime Minister John Briceño

“But the point is that the M.C.C. was not a part of the budget. They came here and then we met with them and we did within record time, manage to get a compact sign for $125,000 million U.S., of which 20% have been for energy, and also for teaching. We already knew what are the challenges we face in the educational system. So, they would’ve been helping us and would’ve made it easier. But now they’re not then we have to look and see how we are going to find the money and start to make the adjustments between the educational system.”

Gun Violence Claims Another Life in Belize City Amid State of Emergency

Just days after a state of emergency was declared in the Lake Independence area, Belize City has recorded yet another fatal shooting. The latest victim is twenty-six-year-old Zinedine Pinelo, a fisherman from San Pedro, Ambergris Caye. Around 12:35 p.m. on Hunter’s Lane, police responded to reports of gunfire and discovered Pinelo’s lifeless body with two gunshot wounds to the head. Early reports suggested a possible robbery, as some of Pinelo’s belongings, including his slippers, were missing. However, other accounts indicate that Pinelo and another man had gone to meet a friend when they were ambushed by a group of men, one of whom opened fire. In the aftermath, police swarmed the area, conducting searches in nearby homes as part of their ongoing crackdown under emergency measures. The killing has raised fresh concerns about the effectiveness of the state of emergency in curbing violence, as residents continue to grapple with fear and uncertainty.