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BNTU President Claps Back at Minister Requena The President of the Belize National Teachers’ Union (BNTU) has fired back at Education Minister Oscar Requena’s explanation over the recent teacher pay controversy, calling it “nonsense” and “disrespect to the highest level.” In a late-night livestream on Facebook, Nadia Caliz expressed deep frustration over what she called misinformation and a lack of transparency. “I don’t know where my dear minister got his facts from because I am shocked. I’m irritated, as a matter of fact,” she said. “Somebody lied along the way. Somebody lied to the minister.” The union president strongly rejected Requena’s claim that the deductions stemmed from advance salary payments made in December. She said no such agreement was ever made with the union and insisted that what teachers received were long-overdue increments and allowances, not advances. Caliz also stated that while most teachers were paid, some have yet to receive salaries dating back to June, July, September, and October. In addition to the payment delays, the president called out what she described as a lack of transparency and respect toward educators, many of whom are struggling financially. “You don’t do that to the workers of your country,” she said. “You don’t play it down, especially the teacher right now, who the landlord has asked to vacate the premises because he cannot pay his rent.” As frustration builds, the union is demanding answers and warning that this issue will not be brushed aside. “We’re going to get to the bottom of this,” the president vowed. “There’s a storm on the horizon, and this time, it’s a big one.”
