_{Teachers protest in Dangriga}

BELIZE CITY, Thurs. June 5, 2025

Throughout Wednesday, starting as early as 6:00 a.m., teachers in their signature green union shirts popped up in the middle of main streets and highways across Belize. Their car hoods were open, and they cited mechanical troubles. They were intent on going nowhere. News first emerged about the Dangriga protest at George Price Drive, and social media images later filtered through about another blockade in Bella Vista Village further south. Overnight, there had been some reports of the intended action, and police mobilized to different bridges across the country, including the one at Chetumal Street and Haulover Bridge in Belize City. However, the teachers showed up in other locations.

In the case of Dangriga, at least five vehicles were observed on the road, and the number of teachers soon grew to a sizable figure. Police officers responded not long after, and when persuasion did not work to convince the teachers to end their blockade, a tow truck was brought in. But they only succeeded in moving one vehicle, as the teachers got into a tense exchange of pushes and shoves with the officers. However, the police exercised restraint, and the situation did not deteriorate further. The teachers sang their union songs, and by 7:00 a.m., they had dispersed.

At about mid-morning, word was received that police had promptly towed away the vehicle of a teacher who was citing mechanical issues while on Chetumal Street in Belize City. Shortly after that incident, the Belize Police Department (BPD) organized an interview to announce that they were reviewing provisions of all relevant laws, including the Criminal Code, the Motor Vehicle and Road Traffic Act, and the Control of Public Meetings and Public Processions Act, to identify offenses that could be levied against the teachers who participated in the action. BPD Spokesperson, ASP Stacy Smith pointed to possible charges as obstructing the free flow of traffic, unlawful assembly, obstruction of the officers in the execution of their duties, and aggravated assault.

ASP Smith emphasized that, “whilst teachers have their right to freedom of expression, which I understand to mean, in this instance, them registering their discontent, them expressing their right cannot be done in such a way that infringes on the right of others.” Cited was the right to freedom of movement that would prevent citizens “from getting from one point to another or to organize their day, and it may also have a cascading effect on their personal plan and the provision of emergency services by the respective authorities.”

According to ASP Smith, the police officers on the scene in Dangriga afforded the demonstrators “up to two hours to remove their vehicles and disperse.” She added that “it was only after this request was not met, that actions were taken, and the actions that were taken were very measured.” She notified that, “The Commissioner had emphasized with the command of the Department, that it is important that we recognize that all actions that are taken are measured, respectful, and in alignment with effective and lawful management of civil dissent.”

ASP Smith even reminded that the teachers have had successful demonstrations in the past, and called on them to be “cognizant of the procedures that must be followed in relation to labour dispute resolution.” She urged them to “realign themselves with those practices.”

_{Ifásínà Efunyemi – Secretary, BNTU Stann Creek Branch}

When Amandala spoke with Ifásínà Efunyemi, the Secretary of the Stann Creek Branch of the Belize National Teachers’ Union (BNTU) late Wednesday afternoon, she reported that the teacher whose vehicle had been towed, got it back and reported to school for work. She also rejected that they “had mechanical difficulties” for as long as two hours, and said motorists who wanted to, could have gotten through on the side of the road.

Efunyemi explained that they are at Phase Two of their industrial action as mandated by the membership of the BNTU. This, she says, features different actions to build momentum and intensify their response “so that it is clear to the government … that we are serious about the demands that we have.” She remarked that their “mechanical failure” was another means of educating the public that “what we are fighting for as teachers and public officers is not unique to us as teachers and public officers, but this injustice that we are facing actually impacts all Belizeans.” She affirmed that other members of the public are also affected by the high inflation and high cost of living. “We keep the economy going by supporting small businesses,” declared Efunyemi.

On the threat of arrest, Efunyemi cried “shame on them!” She proclaimed, “We are not criminals; we are simply workers fighting for our rights, and fighting for their rights as well.” She was referring to the fact that police officers, too, are behind three points on the pay scale due to the Government’s withheld increments. She added that police officers were also impacted by the 10% salary cut during COVID times which lasted 13 months starting June 1, 2021.  

_{Nadia Martin-Caliz, National President, BNTU}

For her part, National BNTU President, Nadia Martin-Caliz had to remind the membership that they remain in negotiations with the Government, and that they are awaiting a response to their rejection of a 3% salary increase proposal. The unions had given the government a deadline of Wednesday, June 4 to receive a response. She reminded members that there is a process, and that as a union, they negotiate. Additionally, she explained that the Joint Union Negotiating Team (JUNT) also has a plan of action which incorporates the BNTU’s major points. Therefore, said Martin-Caliz, they get involved in some actions “by nature of association” because the union is part of the JUNT. Apparently, some members are commenting that they did not vote for certain action. Furthermore, it appears others are calling for the strike to begin. She remarked, “We have already given notice. As your leader, I will not call a strike until we have heard from government because we are still negotiating. When you reach an impasse, that is when you institute the strike.” Martin-Caliz also made reference to some teachers seemingly acting out of self-interest, and alluded to information of their actions being leaked.

When Minister of the Public Service, Hon. Henry Usher was asked Wednesday morning about the blockades, he was diplomatic in his response, while at the same time affirming that he “will always prefer being around the table discussing these issues in a respectful and productive manner.” He informed that Cabinet met Tuesday to discuss the JUNT’s response dated May 31, and they were to respond by yesterday or today. He said he believes the BNTU is taking every opportunity they can to express themselves, but reiterated that it is “important to always be discussing it in a productive and a respectful way. We don’t achieve much by just screaming at each other.”

Former Minister of Education Hon. Francis Fonseca was not so circumspect. He expressed disappointment at the action of the teachers, and said he believes they have “broken faith with those good-faith negotiations that we’ve been having.” He added, “When they do that, they risk losing the support of reasonable people, the public – as well as losing credibility with this government and with future governments. We have always treated them with dignity, with respect.” According to Fonseca, they are in agreement on 6 of the unions’ seven points, with the outstanding matter being the request for a salary increase. Fonseca said they have notified the JUNT that they are prepared to award the workers the 8.5% increase, but over a period of 3 years. A first 3% would be granted in October 2025. The award of the other 5.5%, however, says Fonseca, is contingent on performance targets. Fonseca also expressed the view that it is some elements only in the BNTU that are acting in bad faith.

Up to the end of Wednesday, the Government had not yet responded to the JUNT. But teachers who used their vehicles to block the road did receive charge sheets for at least three charges, including “causing unnecessary obstruction” under the Motor Vehicle and Road Traffic regulations. One teacher has been summoned to appear in court on Wednesday, June 11 at 9:00 a.m. We have also been informed that several attorneys have offered to defend the teachers who are being charged.