7 News Belize

Teaching Services Bill Tabled in House
posted (December 11, 2009)

And while the veterans dominated the day’s activity with their “across-the-floor” antics – like we said earlier, the biggest business of the days was the draft Education and Training Bill – presented for its first reading. Here’s how that went.

Jules Vasquez Reporting,
Teachers and Education Ministry senior staff crowded the gallery at today’s House sitting in Belmopan. They were there to witness the introduction of the draft Education and Training Bill by an unusually restrained Education Minister Patrick Faber.

Hon. Patrick Faber, Minister of Education
“Some would say that I put myself in trouble and I create turmoil. I don’t think it is a secret Mr. Speaker that what I say sometimes gets me into trouble. Is there anyone here that doesn’t know that.”

Indeed, Faber stuck very close to his script as he avoided chest thumping or triumphalist declarations – outlining in modest terms what the Teaching Services Commission aims to do.

Hon. Patrick Faber,
“The draft bill proposes to establish a Belize Teaching Services Commission. This commission should be an independent body comprising of representatives from the various sectors in the education system. The commission will have the broad functions to ensure compliance with the standards set by the Ministry for entry into teaching to assure the quality and status of the Belize teaching force and the quality of the delivery of education and all regulations governing the services of teachers with respect to employment, appointment, transfer, discipline, and termination of teachers in government and government primary and pre-primary, secondary, and tertiary and TVET institutions subject to the provisions of sections 19 and 21 of this act.

The specific powers and functions are detailed at section 17 of the bill. In effect the commission will assume some of the functions of the Chief Education Officer as it relates to the administration of employment and conditions of service of teachers that prove onerous and hinder a focus on policy development and implementation by the Minister of Education.

The commission will be supported by a secretariat which shall be a strengthened version of the general school services of the MOE. The commission should also be balanced by an appeals tribunal which shall have the power to confirm or set aside decisions relating to disciplinary actions or transfer of teachers by the Commission and any other action taken by the commission against managing authorities.

I can think of five reasons for the establishment of these teaching services commission. One, to ensure that our children benefit from qualified teachers in our schools. I am aware that qualified teachers are no guarantee of quality education in our school system but it certainly increases the chances of quality education.

Two, to ensure the rules and regulations governing the terms and conditions of employment of teachers are applied fairly and squarely to all teachers free from political, religious, or other influence.

Thirdly, to raise the status of teachers and increase public confidence in the teaching services by ensuring we have qualified teachers in our schools and ensuring that they are treated fairly and squarely. This will not only raise the status of teachers but also increase public confidence in the teaching services of this county. Fourthly, to safeguard the interest of all stakeholders. A qualified, fairly treated and accountable teaching force will benefit everyone as parents and students should experience a higher quality of education, managements will be able to hold teachers’ accountable and teachers will be treated fairly without fear of religious, political or other victimization.”

The Bill has been presented for first reading – and what are expected to be fairly robust round of consultations should follow.

But two bills that were passed by the house today are the Returnable Containers Bill – yes, the same one the one you’ve seen so many ads about. It will soon be law and will make it so that you have to pay a refundable deposit on imported beverages like Red Stripe and Heineken.

Also introduced and taken through all three readings today was the Towns Property Evaluation Bill – which we’d like to call “Leila’s Law” – which allows city and town councils to approve discounts on property tax. The need for the legislation came to light when it was pointed out in an audit report of the city council that under Leila Peyrefitte’s tenure as councilor with responsibility for finance, discounts were given but without any legal authority – and making it law now confirms that – though widely and long practiced - it was not lawful before.

Home | Archives | Downloads/Podcasts | Advertise | Contact Us

7 News Belize