分类： society

The Belize National Teachers’ Union (BNTU) has strongly refuted claims made by Minister of Education Oscar Requena regarding missing teacher salaries. On November 4, 2025, Requena attributed the salary deductions to advances given in December 2024, asserting that the union had agreed to this arrangement. However, BNTU President Nadia Caliz vehemently denied these allegations, stating that the deductions were unrelated to advances but rather involved long-overdue increments and allowances. Caliz emphasized that the union possesses a December 2024 letter from the government promising to pay these increments and allowances by the end of that month. She criticized the minister’s comments as misleading and indicative of systemic issues within the education sector, including a lack of transparency. Caliz also expressed frustration over unexplained ‘miscellaneous deductions’ from teachers’ salaries, which have caused widespread concern among educators. The union has called for clarity and accountability, urging the government to address these discrepancies promptly.

The Belize National Teachers Union (BNTU) has escalated its confrontation with the Ministry of Education over unresolved salary issues. On Monday, BNTU President Nadia Caliz publicly criticized Education Minister Oscar Requena for his explanation regarding missing teacher payments. Requena attributed the unpaid salaries to deductions for advance payments made in December 2024, a claim Caliz vehemently denied, labeling it as deeply disrespectful to educators. Caliz emphasized the gravity of the situation, highlighting instances where teachers are struggling to meet basic needs such as rent and utilities due to the payment delays. She also questioned the Ministry’s handling of incremental allowances, pointing out that many teachers have yet to receive their due payments. The union has demanded immediate resolution, warning of potential industrial action if the matter is not addressed promptly. Caliz expressed concern that this issue mirrors past payment delays in November 2023 and December 2024, urging accountability and swift action to prevent further hardship for Belize’s educators.

Significant changes may be on the horizon for the communities of Ladyville and Lord’s Bank Village as their respective village councils prepare to discuss a potential merger into a single town. This long-debated idea, which has lingered for decades without progress, is now gaining traction. The proposed unification could reshape the political landscape, requiring voters to re-register, and may lead to increased land taxes. The preliminary discussions are set to take place on Wednesday, with village councilors meeting area representative Dolores Balderamos-Garcia to explore the implications of such a move. Daniel Salinas, Chairman of Lord’s Bank Village, expressed optimism about the meeting, highlighting the potential for accelerated development and greater financial independence. He noted that the merger would enable both communities to fund their own projects rather than relying heavily on central government support. While the idea has been proposed in the past, the rapid development of Ladyville, driven by the influx of businesses, has made it a priority. Salinas acknowledged potential opposition, particularly regarding property tax increases, but emphasized the need to prioritize long-term progress over short-term challenges.

A sudden scare of gunfire at the Hangar, a popular gathering spot in Belize City, has reignited concerns over public safety and urban planning. The incident occurred on Monday night, merely days after the removal of barricades that had long restricted access to the area. Residents reported hearing what they believed to be gunfire, with some suggesting an entire ammunition clip was discharged. However, police investigations revealed no injuries or shell casings, leaving the community on edge. The timing of the event is notable, as it precedes a High Court challenge by resident Rommel Berges against the Belize City Council. Berges contends that the barricades, while intended to curb crime, posed significant safety risks by obstructing emergency vehicle access. For years, the Hangar has been a focal point of complaints, with locals decrying its reputation for drug activity, noise pollution, and criminal behavior. While some residents advocated for the barricades and even proposed subdividing the land, others opposed these measures. The council’s decision to remove the barriers ahead of the court case has left the future of the public road uncertain, raising questions about how to balance safety and accessibility in urban spaces.

Belizean students in Jamaica are demonstrating remarkable resilience in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, a catastrophic Category Five storm that struck the region just a week ago. Despite the devastation, all Belizean students are safe and accounted for, and they have already resumed their studies through online classes. The University of the West Indies (UWI) has extended support, offering counseling services and adopting a hybrid learning model to help students recover while gradually transitioning back to in-person classes.

Bernard Pitts, President of the Belizean Student Association of Jamaica (BELSAJ), highlighted the progress made in distributing relief supplies, including food packages, to students. However, financial strain remains a pressing issue. Many students exceeded their budgets while preparing for the storm, covering costs for transportation, accommodation, and emergency supplies. Pitts emphasized the need for financial assistance to alleviate these burdens.

In a show of solidarity, Belizean students are planning to donate some of their relief supplies to Jamaican communities that were severely impacted by the hurricane. Jamaican Belizean activist Moses Sulph echoed this sentiment, calling on the Belizean public to contribute to relief efforts, emphasizing the importance of humanitarian support during such crises.

Despite the challenges, the students’ determination to adapt and support others underscores their resilience and community spirit. Shane Williams reports for News Five.

A somber cloud descended over the FIRST Global Challenge 2025 in Panama as a tragic incident claimed the life of a young participant. Madeline Thompson, a 16-year-old student from St. Augustine’s College in the Bahamas, fell to her death during the international robotics competition. The event, which took place from October 29 to November 1, brought together teams from across the globe, including a contingent from Belize High School. The final day of the competition turned into a day of mourning when Thompson’s body was discovered near a public pool on the twelfth floor of the venue at approximately 6 a.m. Initial reports indicate that she had been staying on the twenty-seventh floor with two peers. The circumstances surrounding her fall remain unclear, and Panamanian authorities have yet to determine if foul play was involved. The Bahamian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has stepped in to assist, collaborating with local officials and Thompson’s parents, who were present at the event, to navigate the aftermath of this devastating loss.

In a significant move to combat gun violence, Belizean police officers are undergoing specialized training to improve their ability to investigate shooting incidents. This initiative, led by the Ministry of Home Affairs in collaboration with the U.S. Government, is part of the Caribbean Firearms Roadmap—a regional strategy Belize has adopted alongside other CARICOM nations. The training focuses on equipping officers with advanced techniques to reconstruct crime scenes, analyze evidence, and strengthen prosecutions.

Four residents of Cotton Tree Village in Belize have been formally charged for the illegal possession of forest produce following the discovery of an unauthorized logging site in the Maya Forest Corridor. The Belize Forest Department revealed that the operation was uncovered on Sunday by rangers from the Wildlife Conservation Society. The site contained significant quantities of mahogany and salmwood lumber, with the individuals found in possession of approximately 112 pieces of mahogany and 85 pieces of salmwood without valid permits. The accused have been identified as Noemi Perez, 44, Wedlyn Maas, 21, Melvin Jesus Maas, 23, and Everardo Maas, 48. Authorities seized two vehicles loaded with the illegal lumber and charged the individuals under Section 19 of the Forest Act for ‘Unlawful Possession of Forest Produce.’ A subsequent operation recovered an additional 30 pieces of mahogany from the surrounding forested area. The Forest Department has called on the public to assist in safeguarding Belize’s forests by reporting suspicious activities to their hotline at 610-1524.