7 News Belize

From Tranquil Talk On Thursday to Sharp Exchanges On Monday
posted (September 26, 2016)
So, how did we get to this place of hard words and strike actions? Well, it is unclear, but with the up until last week, it appeared outwardly, that the teachers and the Prime Minister were trying their very best to play nice with each other.

Here's a small recap of all that cordial speech from both leaders, from last Thursday night. That's when we were trying to probe for more than they were willing to give at the time:

File: September 22, 2016
Luke Palacio - BNTU, President

"We are now prepared to go back and discussed those responses and then determine what happens next."

Daniel Ortiz, 7News
"Is the council of management satisfied with those responses?"

Luke Palacio - BNTU, President
"You didn't understand what I said just now? I said we are going back to discuss the responses, so we cannot tell you that we are satisfied and neither are we saying that we are not satisfied, but we have a process and we keep on saying to the media, the BNTU has a process that it follows and you'll have to allow us to make that process work."

Daniel Ortiz, 7News
"How was the atmosphere of the meeting?"

Luke Palacio - BNTU, President
"Cordial. We were not here to fight."

Daniel Ortiz, 7News
"Sir, what were the most contentious point that extended the meeting to this time?"

Luke Palacio - BNTU, President
"There were no contentious points. The discussions were just long. We had to ventilate all that we want ventilated and we've done so."

Rt., Hon. Dean Barrow - Prime Minister of Belize
"Well nobody could ever have doubted that the teachers were serious. These are serious people and so that is why the minute examination of each concern was absolutely necessary. That was done and I believe that it was a useful process and now we shall see what we shall see."

Daniel Ortiz, 7News
"Are you bracing for more demonstrations after this meeting?"

Rt., Hon. Dean Barrow - Prime Minister of Belize
"I wouldn't say that we are bracing for more demonstrations."

Today, COLA, released a statement scolding the UDP Government for the offensive launched against the BNTU leadership.

The call it "union busting", and their press release says, quote, "the Prime Minister…clearly attempts to create division within the BNTU and between the unions and social partners... We find it ludicrous that the man who promoted "civil disobedience"... while in Opposition, will now accuse teachers of being unreasonable and holding the children of Belize at ransom." End quote.

The PUP also sent out a statement today saying, quote, "The...Party affirms its support for the BNTU and for our teachers, and condemns the unreasonable and vicious attacks on the Union and its members by this UDP Government... We also ask all parents to stand strong behind the BNTU. It is important that our children learn to stand up for what is right and just. The government's accusation that the teachers are holding our children to ransom is baseless and a sign of desperation..." End Quote.

The opposition also calls on, quote, "the membership of the PSU, the APSSM, the umbrella NTUCB and the social partners to join in the fight for our country."

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