BNTU calls out Ministry of Education for “misleading” press release regarding the resumption of classes

By Breaking Belize News Staff: The Belize National Teachers Union (BNTU) has taken issue with the recent press release issued by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Science and Technology (MOECST) regarding the resumption of classes, saying that the release goes against what was initially agreed upon.

The Ministry issued a release earlier today, explaining that it met with the BNTU and the general managers of those schools that were severely affected by Hurricane Lisa and agreed that classes for all schools including those in the Belize District that are able to do so, would resume on Monday, November 7.

The Ministry further said that schools severely impacted would resume classes on November 14.

However, the BNTU contends that there were a number of points agreed to at the meeting, and the version released by the Ministry does not accurately reflect those agreements. The union said that it agreed to:

1. Normal classes for the Belize District would resume on Monday November 14, 2022. During the week of November 7 to 11, teachers not affected should report to school to prepare the classroom, help with clean up activities and help other schools and colleagues where possible. 2. Teachers impacted by the storm will use the time to repair their homes so that they are able to report for normal classes on November 14, 2022. 3. During the week of November 7 to 11, Managements should provide trauma and counseling services to their students so they can be in a better frame of mind for classes on November 14, 2022. 4. Teachers would not be required to submit absence forms during November 7 to 11, 2022. 5. Schools are certified as safe by the Ministry of Infrastructure before placing children and teachers in them.

“We met in good faith out of concern for our teachers and students. We expected that our agreement would be upheld and honest reporting made. The union views the Ministry’s Press Release as an act of bad faith and one that will definitely cause a reaction from our members,” the BNTU said.

The union further demanded that the Ministry correct its statement to reflect the agreements made and emphasized that its members will be compliant to those agreements.

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