Teachers to Join August 18 Protest Against BTL-Smart Deal

In a further show of resistance to BTL’s proposed acquisition of Speednet Limited, the Belize National Teachers’ Union has confirmed that its members will participate in next week’s demonstration and rally organized by the National Trade Union Congress of Belize.  In a letter issued today, BNTU National President Nadia Martin-Caliz informed education officials, school managements and principals that teachers from across the country will join other union members in protesting the proposed acquisition of Smart, along with what the union describes as other mounting national issues.  The peaceful demonstration and rally are scheduled for Tuesday, August 18. The BNTU says its members will therefore be unable to participate in any professional-development activities planned for that day.  The letter was addressed to the management and leadership of government and grant-aided preschools, primary and secondary schools, as well as tertiary-level institutions. It was also copied to senior officials in the Ministry of Education.  The union says its participation is an exercise of its constitutional right to stand in solidarity, express its position and bring greater public attention to the issues.