Teachers Feel Ignored as CEO’s Raise Fuels Protest

A televised interview with Ministry of Education CEO Dian Maheia has sparked outrage among teachers, leading to a 25% surge in attendance at Friday’s demonstration in Belmopan, according to Belize National Teachers’ Union (BNTU) President Nadia Caliz.

“They took issue with the CEO… they found her response to be arrogant,” Caliz said, referring to Maheia’s comments on Open Your Eyes. “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.”

Caliz accused the government of double standards, saying, “Our teachers are saying, ‘Boss, you didn’t recognize us,’ because it is the same boss. It’s an Animal Farm type of mentality we see happening.”

She added that while teachers want to return to the classroom, they feel disrespected. “The hard work they do needs to be recognized. The love they have for these students and the classroom needs to be recognized.”

Looking ahead, Caliz said the next step depends on government negotiations. “We go to the table, and we engage in phase two based on what they say… We still have the CBA and other issues to address.”