Posted: Sunday, June 8, 2025. 11:23 pm CST.
By Jose Luis Cruz: As tension rise between the Government of Belize and the Belize National Teachers Union (BNTU) and the Public Service Union (PSU), former Leader of the Opposition Shyne Barrow has joined in condemning the government for its continued treatment of teachers and public officers. In a public statement, Barrow stated that “as citizen, UDP Leader and son of a former teacher it pains my heart to witness the continued betrayal of our teachers and public servants”. Barrow was pointing to the 10% salary cut introduced in 2021, as well as the government’s refusal to restore increments and award the teachers and public officers the 8.5% salary increase that they are asking for.
Tensions have escalated in recent weeks following the arrest of teachers during a the peaceful protest in Dangriga. “Instead of getting increments, teachers are getting arrested for making a stand for what they have worked tirelessly for,” Barrow said.
While the government touts economic growth, including record GDP figures acknowledged by the International Monetary Fund, many Belizeans argue that such success has not translated into meaningful relief for everyday citizens. According to Barrow, “the vast majority of our people are suffering, living paycheck to paycheck and, in most cases, day to day.”
Barrow’s statement was critical of both major political parties for their long-standing neglect but he particularly pointed his criticism to the current administration. “This PUP Government is uniquely positioned to disrupt the status quo and deliver the meaningful change they promised in 2020, but they lack the political will and integrity to deliver…Our human resource will always be our most invaluable resource,” and urgent investments are needed in teachers as Belize’s national development depends on it.
Barrow made a direct plea to Prime Minister John Briceño to honor his 2020 promise of a 20% raise for teachers and to take immediate action amid rising living costs. “Now he sits in a position where, with the stroke of a pen, he gives $200 million for acquisitions, $30 million for airport security to cronies, but refuses to give teachers and public servants their due,” Barrow continued.
Despite unveiling a $1.7 billion budget in May, reportedly the largest in the nation’s history, the government has prioritized infrastructure over human capital. As a result, Barrow noted that while he believes that things can change for the better “change will never come if we remain docile in the face of the dinosaurs that continue to inflict the masses with pain”.
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