Home Affairs Minister denies interference in decision to drop teacher arrests

Published by BBNTEAM at June 13, 2025

Posted: Friday, June 13, 2025. 7:07 pm CST.

By Aaron Humes: This week, Minister of Home Affairs Kareem Musa firmly denied any involvement from him or his Cabinet colleagues in the decision to drop charges against teachers participating in demonstrations, particularly in Dangriga, where protests escalated.

Minister Musa emphasized the importance of balancing protest actions with the needs of the public, particularly everyday commuters. “We have to understand the police are not here to be against the teachers. They are on the same team. But they do have the duty to the rest of society,” he stated. The Minister called for understanding and cooperation to prevent significant disruptions that could affect those with work and school commitments.

Nadia Caliz, the National President of the Belize National Teachers’ Union (BNTU), was called into a meeting with Commissioner of Police Richard Rosado along with other union leaders last week, shortly after the protests took place. “I must say the meeting went well,” she noted, while revealing that she had received credible information suggesting a warrant for her own arrest was issued.

Caliz asserted that the focus should remain on the teachers’ lawful right to protest. She emphasized the need for dialogue and cooperation moving forward, urging teachers to remain law-abiding while making their voices heard. “I also shared with them that I do not want anybody to think that they’re just gonna grab me and do whatever they want with me because I am the leader,” Caliz stressed. “There are so many people in support of what the teachers are doing.”

11 Dangriga-area teachers and civilians had faced summons on charges ranging from obstruction to assault to unlawful assembly, with lawyers standing by ready to aid them.

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