Photo: Elena Smith, receiving award for the new 2nd Vice President for CUT

by Kristen Ku

BELIZE CITY, Thurs. July 27, 2023

Elena Smith, former president of the Belize National Teachers Union (BNTU), was elected as the 2nd Vice-President of the Caribbean Union of Teachers (CUT) during its 41st Biennial Conference, which concluded earlier this month.

In attendance at the conference, held in Kingston, Jamaica, were representatives from throughout the Caribbean, including members of the BNTU, such as its newly installed president Ruth Shoman, who joined in celebrating Elena Smith’s achievement.

Apart from her leadership in the education sector, Smith has served as a representative in the Senate for both the civil society and trade unions steering committees in Belize. She previously served as the BNTU national president for two consecutive terms, totaling six years, during which she navigated through governmental changes and union protests, all amid a challenging economic landscape.

At the 41st Caribbean Union of Teachers Biennial Conference, which was centered on the theme, “Getting it Right: Revolutionizing Education, Prioritizing Teachers,” teachers engaged in meaningful discussion on some of the shared issues faced by teachers in the classroom.

Distinguished keynote speakers delivered insightful addresses on topics such as “Redefining Education for the Future,” “Empowering Teachers as Agents of Change,” “Prioritizing Teacher Retention and Well-being,” and “Collaboration and Partnership.”

The conference, held at the Jamaican Pegasus Hotel, also featured a diverse agenda, including a women’s conference, business meetings, an award ceremony, a culture night, and an island excursion and tour. It took place from July 17 to 21, 2023.

Elena Smith will assume her new role as the 2nd Vice-President of CUT immediately and will be serving for a minimum of two years.

Notably, her responsibilities will involve supporting the president in matters related to Industrial Relations Services.

Amandala extends our heartfelt congratulations to Mrs. Elena Smith as she embarks on this new and influential journey within the Caribbean Union of Teachers.