By: Omar Silva I Editor/Publisher

National Perspective Belize I Digital 2025

www.nationalperspectivebz.com

BELIZE CITY: Friday 30th May 2025

A storm is brewing in Belize’s education sector—not from classrooms, but from Cabinet. The Belize National Teachers Union (BNTU) has now entered phase two of industrial action under the banner #WeMatter, and what began as a demand for salary justice has now escalated into a full-blown confrontation over government manipulation, legal intimidation, and the abuse of institutional power.

The latest flashpoint? The government's attempt to scare teachers into silence by weaponizing labor laws that do not even apply to them.

⚖️ The Weapon of Fear: Section 15 Misapplied

Earlier this week, Labor Commissioner Rissela Dominguez-Patt issued veiled warnings that any teacher who participates in a strike without the proper grievance procedures may face fines or imprisonment—referring to Section 15 of the Settlement of Disputes in Essential Services Act.

But here’s the legal truth:

📌 Teachers are not classified as essential service workers under that Act.

📌 Section 15 does not apply to the BNTU or its members.

📌 The BNTU is bound only by the grievance procedure in its Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA)—which it has followed.

In essence, the Briceno Administration is peddling legal fiction to suppress constitutionally protected union action.

“This is about manipulation through misinformation,” said a labor legal advisor familiar with the matter. “The Commissioner’s statement was reckless and calculated. It sends a chilling message, especially when teachers are acting fully within their rights.”

🎭 From Ally to Adversary: The PUP’s Political Hypocrisy

It is not lost on the public that the People’s United Party, while in opposition, stood shoulder to shoulder with the BNTU. But now, in government, that same party is:

• Offering a meager 3% salary adjustment starting October 2025
• Proposing to return only one frozen increment by April 2026
• Spreading the rest of what is owed over four years
• Silencing dissent through state-sanctioned fear

Meanwhile, CEOs and Cabinet insiders have received salary boosts with no consultation, no delay, and no moral conflict.

“This government talks of love for teachers, but governs with disdain for their dignity,” said BNTU President Nadia Caliz.

🟩 #WeMatter: The Resistance Gains Momentum

On Tuesday, more than 2,000 teachers voted—75% rejected the government's so-called offer. The BNTU has since expanded its movement through nationwide community picketing, business outreach, and public engagement.

The message is simple: “We are not afraid.”

“This government forgets that teachers are not just workers—they’re citizens with legal rights and a memory of betrayal,” said Coral Lord, BNTU Belize District President.

“They marched with us before elections. Now they’re turning the state against us.”

🚨 Dangerous Precedent for Democracy

If allowed to go unchecked, this situation sets a dangerous precedent: that the government can manipulate public institutions—including the Labor Department—to suppress protest, punish resistance, and silence its critics.

The use of state-appointed officials like the Labor Commissioner to float legal threats that don’t apply is not governance—it is bully pulpit authoritarianism.

“It’s not just about teachers anymore,” said Dean Flowers, PSU President. “This is about whether the government serves the people or rules over them.”

🧱 The Real Road Ahead: Restore Trust or Face Shutdown

The unions are clear:

• Restore the 8.5% salary increase
• Return all frozen increments
• Respect the Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Stop the legal intimidation

The next step, union leaders say, may include a full industrial shutdown if the government continues its manipulation campaign.

🗣️ FINAL WORD

The Briceño Administration can no longer hide behind legal smoke and mirrors. Belize’s teachers are not only educators—they are defenders of democracy. They’ve taught students to know their rights. Now they are exercising theirs.

The question is not whether teachers will bend.

The question is whether this government will stop breaking the very trust it swore to uphold.