Minister Requena Commits to Good-Faith Dialogue on Salary Proposal

As salary negotiations between the Government of Belize and the Belize National Teachers Union remain unresolved, Minister of Education Oscar Requena has expressed strong support for the teaching profession.

Requena acknowledged the significance of teachers’ contributions while reiterating government’s current offer—an initial 3% salary adjustment scheduled for October 2025, as previously approved by Cabinet.

Requena stated: “On the matter of teachers, I want to say and reiterate that this Ministry of Education and our government fully supports, respects, appreciates and values the great work of our teachers across this country. We know that our teachers are important partners in development and education. It is only through education that we can truly develop this nation. That is why we value our teachers.”

He added, “I want to say I support the presentation made by our Deputy Prime Ministers in terms of the proposals made to our teachers and public servants.”

Requena said “Rest assured that we understand the very important duty of our teachers and public servants, and we will continue to endeavor to work with our teachers and public servants in good faith, so that together we can arrive at some meaningful consensus on how we can move forward—understanding that as a government we have a responsibility to the good for the wider nation. But we also have responsibility to them and the great work they do.”