And with only two days before schools reopening, the UDP has fired shots at the Ministry of Education for their, quote, "indecisiveness as it relates to the reopening of schools."
The opposition says it has recorded as many as three changes in the date for school to re-open in the past four months. In addition, they're accusing MOE of not supporting teachers and students during the pandemic and also failing to adequately plan a safe reopening with a realistic timeline. The UDP is saying that the date set - January 10th - was prescribed in the press release dating December 14th, 2021, which they say is a short grace period of three working school days.
The release continues by saying, quote, "We place on record; the United Democratic Party supports the reintroduction of our students into the physical classroom setting. However, this reunion must be adequately timed to give all schools an equal opportunity to qualify for the "Green Light Certification for Return to Onsite School" as stipulated by the Government of Belize." End quote.
They have also listed out some guidelines that they are calling on the government to follow before reopening schools, including: vaccination rollout for students 5 to 11 years old; continued vax campaign for students 12 and older; providing all schools with wash hand basins, thermometers, social distancing markers and disposable masks; regularly providing schools with cleaning and hygiene kits or a financial grant to purchase these items; providing regular free testing for teachers and staff; and more.
