By the WBWTN News Team | April 28, 2025
(WBWTN) - In a powerful and emotional address, the President of the Belize National Teachers Union (BNTU) called on all teachers to rise up, formally register their frustration, and be a part of the change they have long demanded.
“Finally, allow me to educate you,” the President began, speaking passionately in a video posted a day ago on the BNTU Facebook page. Her voice firm, she reminded members that their union sits at many different tables — and that while there are moments of agreement, there are also times when it becomes necessary to act.
Now, she said, is one of those times.
"You asked us to formally register this discontent," she stated, urging teachers to show up in record-breaking numbers this Wednesday. “The only way we can continue is if you go and you vote and you give us the mandate.”
In the video, the President made it clear that the recent memo to stakeholders about the upcoming action was not meant as disrespect but as responsible leadership. “They are custodians of children, they need to know how to prepare,” she emphasized.
Citing past successes — a massive turnout of 1,995 teachers at their recent convention, described as "history in the making" — she now called for even greater numbers at Wednesday’s meeting, which begins at 9 a.m.
“Don’t become discouraged,” she urged. “This is the beginning of change. Be a part of that change you want to see.”
Her message was clear: despite being overworked, underpaid, and at times unfairly criticized, Belize’s teachers have remained steadfast out of love for their students.
"If you did not love them, you would not take out of your own pockets to provide resources. If you did not love them, you would not be working months without pay," she said, her voice filled with emotion.
Shockingly, she revealed that many teachers who had fulfilled all the necessary requirements for licensing were still unpaid due to bureaucratic failures at the Ministry of Education. Some have been without salaries for two months. “That should never happen. We had an agreement. Whose fault is that?” she demanded.
Throughout her speech, the President called on teachers not to let fear, pressure, or fatigue stop them. Instead, she challenged them to show their true strength — what she called the “green machine.”
"The way you respond on Wednesday will tell us if you are serious about everything you have been verbally saying," she declared. "It is time to formally register that discontent."
In closing, she left her members with a message of strength and faith:
“See you on Wednesday. God bless you.”
