BNTU MARCH & RALLY

At least twenty-five schools were closed on Tuesday, March 5, as approximately four hundred teachers, from pre-school to junior college, took to the streets of Dangriga in order to protest against the growing incidence of violence on school compounds. The Stann Creek Branch of the Belize National Teachers Union led today?s demonstration.   While on-campus violence is a growing concern, the rallying point for the protests following the assault of a primary school teacher by a parent at the Solid Rock Christian Academy.

The Teachers assembled at the Drums of our Fathers Monument at about 9:00 a.m. and proceeded to march through the principal streets of Dangriga to the Telemedia Princess Royal Park, where a massive rally was held.   The MC for the event was Sis. Nadia Caliz, Vice President of the Stann Creek Branch.   The invocation was led by Sis. Nadia Martinez, who led with the Union Prayer.  Speakers included Bro. George Frazier, Secretary General, Bro. Jaime Panti, National President, Bro. Anthony Fuentes, Immediate National President, Bro. Victor Williams, National Treasurer, Bro. Howard Melendrez, Branch President, Bro. Sen. Eddie Webster, Teacher, Bro. Anthony Zuniga, Teacher and Bro. Ermogenez Leiva, the victim of the assault.

The Union made it known that they were registering their discontent about the growing violence on school compounds and made it known that they were not going to tolerate those kinds of behaviour any longer.   They called on the government and school managements to look into the matter seriously and work along with the union to come up with feasible and workable solutions that would be of benefit to all.

Activities culminated at 2:00 p.m.

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