The ongoing dispute over delayed teacher salaries in Belize continues to escalate, despite assurances from Education Minister Oscar Requena that the issue is being resolved. Earlier this month, the Belize National Teachers’ Union (BNTU) reported that numerous educators were still awaiting their pay, contradicting the Minister’s previous claims that the matter had been settled. Requena attributed the discrepancies to salary advances issued in December, a justification the union firmly rejects, stating they never consented to such terms. In a recent statement, Requena reiterated his stance, emphasizing that the Ministry of Education has been proactive in addressing the concerns. He acknowledged the delays but shifted partial blame to school managements, citing their failure to submit necessary information on time as a recurring issue. A meeting between the Ministry, the Treasury Department, and the BNTU executive was held to discuss the matter, with plans to improve communication and accountability moving forward. Despite these efforts, the union remains dissatisfied, highlighting the persistent challenges faced by teachers in receiving timely compensation.
