People & Places - Greater Belize Media

BNTU Members Rally Nationwide with #WeMatter Movement

A wave of green swept through the country today, as members of local B.N.T.U branches took to the streets in a powerful show of unity and purpose. It’s all part of a coordinated picketing action plan aimed at raising awareness and rallying community support for their cause. The day began early, with members wearing green shirts and holding up bold posters as they lined major highways and roads near schools. The message was clear and visible to all commuters this morning: “We matter.” By lunchtime, the action moved to the heart of communities, drawing the attention of parents, business owners, and passersby. The atmosphere was peaceful but passionate, as members engaged with the public and shared their messages. But the action didn’t stop there. Throughout the day, members visited local businesses and institutions, distributing flyers and speaking directly with shopkeepers and community leaders. The goal? To build solidarity and spread awareness far and wide. Photos were snapped, stories were shared, and social media lit up with the hashtag #WeMatter, as members flooded platforms with images and updates from the field. This grassroots campaign is more than just a protest—it’s a movement. And today, it made its presence known.

Coral Lord, B.N.T.U. President, Belize District

“We are out here today educating and getting support from the general public for our cause. As we all know, we have been agitating for a salary adjustment. We are requesting an 8.5% salary adjustment and the return of our two frozen increments. So today we are just out here to highlight and to make it known that we are going the full length and we are in phase two of our industrial action where we are asking the public for support on this cause because we all know that when the spending power of teachers increase, the spending power of all the other persons in our society increases as well. We support local businesses, we support mom and pops stores and all the business community. The PM was not being honest in his statement. We all know the politricking that they do. When we are out here and they are not in government, they come out and support us fully. But when they are the ones in the government seat, they forget all the promises they made and the support they lent to the teachers. The PM is saying that they are giving us over fourteen percent, but that’s not true. We can all go back and fact-check him. The document that he sent to us saying exactly what the offer was specifically states that he’s willing to give us a three percent salary adjustment come first of October and the return of one frozen increment at the start of the financial year 2026/2027.”

KHMH Workers Union Must Issue 21 Says Notice Before Industrial Action

The Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital Authority Workers Union, or KHMHAWU, has announced it will begin industrial action tomorrow afternoon, citing a prolonged deadlock in pension negotiations with the Government of Belize. The union says it’s had enough. After months of stalled talks, KHMHAWU is launching what it calls a “phased and lawful” campaign to demand fairness and long-term security for its members. The action begins with peaceful workplace demonstrations, including staff wearing “Gimme Mi Pension” T-shirts as a show of unity. But this is just the beginning. The union has outlined a tiered plan that could escalate to a full strike if no progress is made. That includes a “go-slow” approach at work, increased media engagement, and a potential 21-day strike notice. In response, the Labor Department has reminded the union that under the Settlement of Disputes and Essential Services Act, any industrial action must first be reported to the Minister of Labor. Today, we spoke with Labor Commissioner Rissela Dominguez-Patt, who emphasized the importance of following the legal dispute resolution process.

Rissela Dominquez-Patt, Labour Commissioner

“One of the things they have to do before any trade dispute or strike is that they need to report the matter to the minister. Once they report this matter to the minister then in twenty-one days the minister would decide if it will take a mediation or based on the circumstances of the dispute whether the matter would be taken to the tribunal and thereafter whatever decision the tribunal makes, if the decision is taken to the tribunal then that decision is final. Any institution that falls under this act cannot just get up and say we are going to strike. The primary objective or goal of this legislation is to ensure that they are uninterrupted, they do not interrupt their services, because they provide critical service to the public. Any interruption can cause serious damage to the public. That is why these organizations are under this legislation.”

Paul Lopez

“Have you all received any letter or notice as is required by law?”

Rissela Dominquez-Patt

“That is what we are telling the union, we work very closely with employers and workers. We communicate with KHMHWA the union and KHMH. Earlier this month we brought them together for a different situation. We are constantly in communication with them. In terms of this grievance we have not received anything in writing or anything at all form any of the parties.”

Strike Action Without Notice May Result in Imprisonment

Labor Commissioner Rissela Dominguez-Patt is reminding unions that any action that disrupts work, whether it’s walking off the job or slowing down services, counts as a strike under Belizean law. And that means there are rules to follow. In the past, some KHMH Workers Union members claimed they were simply on break or using a day off during protests. But the law is clear: if the action causes work to stop or services to be interrupted, it’s considered a strike. And there are consequences. Violating the rules under the Settlement of Disputes in Essential Services Act could lead to fines or even jail time. The law also outlines a formal process for resolving disputes, which includes notifying the Minister of Labor before any industrial action begins.

Rissela Dominquez-Patt, Labour Commissioner

“Under section fifteen which is one of the section we empathized the employer or the worker, in this case the union, they shall, and we have to respect that, they shall not take part in any strike in connection with any dispute. If there is a dispute they shall not take part in any strike. The legislation provides a definition of a strike. It says the cessation of work by a body employed. What do we understand by cessation of work. It does not say full cessation or part cessation. In terms of cessation, we mean any stop of work. So any think that has to do will stop of work whether part or complete that is cessation. So if you are going to take any action you need to understand how this will affect the work you do. Will that be considered a cessation of work, whether part fully.”

Paul Lopez

“What could be the possible ramifications as outlined in the law in the event they decide to take any one of these actions outside of presenting a notice?”

Rissela Dominquez-Patt

“If they fail to present a notice it means they cannot strike and if they proceed to strike it means that anything in the legislation is an offense and that offense is punishable under summary conviction. So there is a fine and there is imprisonment. So if we decide to enforcement the legislation, they are breaking the law in small terms, there will be a fine and possible imprisonment. Labour Commissioner Rissela Dominquez emphasized that every citizen is afforded the right to freedom of speech under the constitution. So, they can engage certain actions as long as it does not stop the essential service they provide.”

Grievance Mechanism for BNTU’s Industrial Action

If you’re wondering whether teachers need to give twenty-one days’ notice before going on strike—the answer is no. Labor Commissioner Rissela Dominguez-Patt has clarified that the Settlement of Disputes in Essential Services Act does not apply to the Belize National Teachers Union (BNTU). That means teachers aren’t legally required to give advance notice under that specific law. However, that doesn’t mean they can strike without any rules. According to the Labor Commissioner, the BNTU must still follow the grievance procedure outlined in their collective bargaining agreement, a contract between the union and the government that sets out how disputes should be handled. So, while teachers have more flexibility than some essential service workers, they’re still expected to follow the proper steps before walking off the job.

Rissela Dominquez-Patt, Labour Commissioner

“The teachers as I mentioned are only fourteen, so they do not fall under this specific legislation. They fall under a different regulation, that is why they were able to do and are able to do what they are doing. So, they don’t fall under this legislation.”

Paul Lopez

“And they have free reign to engage in their demonstration, sickouts, during lunch time picketing, whatever actions they intend to do.”

Rissela Dominquez-Patt

“Like I said they would not fall under this legislation, so they don’t have to provide that twenty-one days’ notice so that there is intervention.”

Paul Lopez

“But they did, which is not necessary.”

Rissela Dominquez-Patt

“The unions normally like to act within the legislation. So, they like to respect what is there. I think that the unions, especially the teachers union, are trying to ensure they communicate what they intend to do, but definitely they don’t fall under this legislation.”

UB Faculty Union Demands GOB Keep $10M Funding Promise

A bold call for accountability is echoing out of Belmopan tonight, as the University of Belize Faculty and Staff Union is demanding that the government make good on its promises. In a press release issued today, the University of Belize Faculty and Staff Union expressed deep disappointment with the Government of Belize for failing to follow through on a key financial commitment, one that directly affects the future of the country’s national university. The union is pointing to a 2020 pledge made by the current administration to reverse a twenty-four percent budget cut imposed by the previous government and to increase the university’s subvention over five years. But the recently unveiled 2025/2026 national budget tells a different story. The subvention remains at seven-point-six-five million dollars, falling short of the ten-million-dollar target previously promised. The UBFSU warns that without this increase, the university’s operations will continue to suffer. That could mean higher tuition fees for students at a time when many families are already struggling with the rising cost of living. While the government has expressed a desire to keep tuition affordable, the union argues that without proper funding, the university simply can’t deliver the quality education Belizeans deserve. The UBFSU is now urging the government to immediately reinstate the ten-million-dollar subvention, calling it essential not just for the university’s survival, but for the nation’s development as a whole.

NTUCB Backs Unions, Demands Government Accountability

The National Trade Union Congress of Belize is standing firmly behind its affiliate unions, including the B.N.T.U., P.S.U., APSSM, KHMHA Workers Union, and U.B. Faculty and Staff Union, as they push back against what they call unfair treatment by the government. In a strong statement, the NTUCB says workers have every right to protest, strike, and demand better, especially when their calls for salary adjustments and the unfreezing of increments are ignored—while top officials receive hefty contracts and pay raises. The NTUCB is calling on the Briceño administration to pay KHMHA workers their overdue pensions, reinstate salary increments and provide an eight-and-a-half percent raise, and restore the University of Belize’s ten-million-dollar subvention. The union umbrella group says it’s ready to take action, warning that continued neglect will only strengthen the collective voice of Belize’s workers.

PM Briceño Attends Regional Economic Summit in Honduras

Belize is once again taking its place at the regional table, as Prime Minister John Briceño touches down in Honduras for a high-level economic summit. Today, Prime Minister Briceño arrived in Tegucigalpa to participate in the annual Meeting of Governors of the Central American Bank for Economic Integration. This key event brings together leaders from across Central America to discuss strategies for economic growth, development financing, and regional cooperation. Belize has been a member of CABEI since 2006, using the partnership to fund projects that reduce poverty, boost infrastructure, and strengthen ties with neighboring countries. The Prime Minister was warmly received by Honduras’ Third Vice President, Renato Florentino Pineda. He will be joined at tomorrow’s meeting by Cherie Nisbet, Belize’s Ambassador to Honduras. As Belize continues to navigate regional and global economic challenges, its presence at CABEI underscores a commitment to collaboration and sustainable development.

Sadie Vernon is growing more than just minds—it’s growing food, too.

When you think of farming, you probably picture wide open fields in the countryside—but one Belize City high school is flipping that idea on its head. This morning, Sadie Vernon High School officially launched its very own aquaponics system, built right on campus by a group of second form students. And they didn’t just get their hands dirty building it, they also learned how to write formal letters to local businesses, asking for support and materials to bring their project to life. It’s a hands-on lesson in sustainability, teamwork, and real-world skills, all rolled into one. News Five’s Paul Lopez was there for the big reveal and has the full story.

Paul Lopez, Reporting

This morning, Sadie Vernon officially opened its aquaponics greenhouse, marking an exciting new chapter in its academic journey. The project blends science, sustainability, and hands-on learning, giving students a chance to explore modern farming right on campus. The initiative was made possible thanks to support from the business community and the Ministry of Education, and it’s being led by English teacher Malaak Middleton along with her enthusiastic second form students. Together, they’re proving that with teamwork and vision, even a classroom can become a farm.

Malaak Middleton, Teacher, Sadie Vernon High School

“I wanted to find a way how I could bring a little agriculture into the school setting. So when we came upon formal letter writing we wanted to use that as a vehicle to engage students in writing and also having a physical aspect to a little production that they can see how they can possible open a little small business or how they can bring it to their own communities in the end.”

Before construction began, Middleton’s students had to first engage in writing a formal letter of request to businesses within their community. Through this process they sharpened their writing skills and the response from the business community was favorable.

Malaak Middleton

“At first I had to go over the parts of that letter with them. I had to make sure that they know what the tone of the message is, what to put in that letter and we got them started on that. So we worked together to compose what we needed them to have in that letter.”

Teacher Malaak Middleton’s classroom isn’t just about theory, it’s about action. Her students didn’t just learn how to write formal letters; they used those skills to reach out to local businesses, who responded by donating the materials needed to build an aquaponics system. Instead of relaxing over their two-week Easter break, these dedicated second formers rolled up their sleeves and got to work—building the system right on their school grounds. For students like Joselin Sanchez, the experience was unforgettable. She now knows how to write professional requests and how to grow food using aquaponics.

Joselin Sanchez, Student, Sadie Vernon High School

“You see there is many things about an aquaponics. But, what I learned is that the waste from the fish leads from one tube to the motor and then there is another pipe that leads to the barrel that funnels the water. The water then goes to the stones. The stones release the waste and that is where the plants feeds on. And it is just a cycle that goes on and on and from the plants we can feed off and the fish can feed as well.”

Paul Lopez

“Is it not incredible that the waste that we would normally see as disgusting can help to produce our food?”

Joselin Sanchez

“It is amazing. At first I thought it was nasty, but when I come to learn about it, it is amazing. I could not believe it myself. It was kind of hard, but as I was doing it with my classmates they made it a lot more easier and it was fun as well.”

Principal Deborah Martin says the now fully operational aquaponics farming system on campus adds to the quality of education and student life offered by the high school. She believes it’s boosting both the quality of education and student life at Sadie Vernon High, giving students hands-on experience they can carry far beyond the classroom.

Deborah Martin, Principal, Sadie Vernon High School

“It is definitely helping to improve our brand here at Sadie Vernon High School and of course the quality of education. We are teaching them to focus on sustainable development and working along with their community. Because as our teacher said aquaponics is embedded in the idea of providing things for yourself and then eventually sharing it with your community.”

The school says it hopes to replicate this theory to application approach across all levels on campus. Reporting for News Five, I am Paul Lopez.

Laying the Foundation for Better Buildings in Belize

Earlier this month, the Government of Belize approved the Belize Building Amendment Bill, an important move aimed at raising construction standards across the country. The goal? To ensure that buildings in Belize are not only more durable but also more resilient and sustainable. To support this national shift, a powerful collaboration is taking shape. The STEM U Foundation, in partnership with CapStone Civil Group and St. Ignatius High School, recently hosted a roundtable discussion focused on improving the quality of building practices in Belize. The STEM U Foundation is a local non-profit dedicated to empowering Belizean youth through training in STEM fields and skilled trades. Their mission is to prepare the next generation of builders, engineers, and innovators who will shape the country’s future. We spoke with STEM U’s founder, Jarrus Mitchell, who shared insights into the roundtable’s goals. He emphasized the importance of education, collaboration, and innovation in transforming the construction landscape, starting with young minds and community partnerships.

Jarrus Mitchell, Founder, Stem U Foundation

“So the purpose of this meeting is to bring subject matter experts into Belize from the US STEM U Foundation. Our platform is just that. We bring subject matter experts from developed countries to provide solutions and advice in regards to areas of agriculture, engineering, healthcare, and I.T., this engineering initiative will help spark the conversation on how the newly adopted Belize building code will be enforced how it’ll be implemented. And using the International Code Council model that the Belize building code is built from we will use the model from the US to discuss with the government, with the local towns and council and as well as contractors.”

Britney Gordon

“So what does the new building code speak to? What are some of the areas of change we can expect to see?”

Jarrus Mitchell

“Some of these changes, I wouldn’t necessarily call them changes. I would just call them improvements. And it will be around construction materials. It will be around construction design. It will be around the craftsmanship of how buildings are built. And what you should expect is an improvement in the quality of materials, craftsmanship, and design.”

With new legislation in place and grassroots efforts gaining momentum, Belize is building more than just structures, it’s building a future. One where safety, quality, and opportunity go hand in hand.

Minister of Education Was “Hopeful” BTNU Would Accept Proposal

As tensions continue to rise between the government and the teachers’ union, the Minister of Education is weighing in. Oscar Requena says he hasn’t received any official word from the unions just yet—but he’s calling the reports of a looming strike “unfortunate.” Echoing the Prime Minister’s stance, Minister Requena insists the government simply doesn’t have the funds to meet the union’s full demands right now. With the clock ticking on a possible strike, the standoff shows no signs of cooling down.

Oscar Requena, Minister of Education

“I want to say that I have not received any official communication form the unions on their position on the proposal presented by the government and the joint negotiating team. So far what I am hearing is only what I am seeing appearing on social media. I would say it is rather unfortunate, because the joint negotiating team met with the leaders. I believe we had a very cordial and respectful meeting. WE would have hoped that the unions would seriously consider the proposal presented to them, given the fact that at this point government is proposing what it can give.”

Paul Lopez

“Is that the rational behind not giving them what they are asking for in a single instance?”

Oscar Requena

“We cannot, because the government cannot afford it and be believed that a phased in approach would be more reasonable to allow government to continue to grow the economy and be able to be in a better position to support our teachers. We proposed what we can offer and we also proposed what was some of the expectations that we also have. I believe that was made absolutely clear to all parties engaged. I don’t think at any point the union’s team indicate that they were not willing to consider the proposals. I don’t think that was even mentioned.”