In his statement, the Prime Minister chided the unions for making the lives of Belizeans uncomfortable. But they are not hearing or having it. The unions have adopted a hardline in which they call this a peaceful revolution, where according to a statement, they, "hope for the best and prepare for the worst." Tomorrow the worst means that school will not be in session as teachers are going on an immediate strike.
This evening as the NTUCB leaders met to discuss strategy, Keith Swift got comment from the President of the BNTU, Anthony Fuentes.
Anthony Fuentes, BNTU President
"We were on the radio station this morning, LOVE FM, and we've made the call to all our teachers, from both pre-school up to the University of Belize, to be on a strike for two days which will be Thursday and Friday."
Keith Swift,
What do you expect these children to do for the next two days?
Anthony Fuentes,
"Well we have said over and over again that its time for us as educators of this country to stand for the rights of the Belizean people. And we made it clear that we will not stand up for any increased or new taxes."
Keith Swift,
We know the teachers won't be in school but I understand a demonstration is planned?
Anthony Fuentes,
"Yes a demonstration will be held in the districts of Corozal, Orange Walk, Belize City, and the Toledo District. Then on Friday, we have 10 branches of BNTU, so teachers from Stann Creek, Cayo, and Belmopan itself will be in Belmopan to demonstrate against the new increases in taxes."
Keith Swift,
The management council of the NTUCB is meeting right now. What is being discussed?
Anthony Fuentes,
"Well as a responsible organization we need to assess what is going on so far and assess any further plan of action that we might want to undertake."
No other union leader would comment on camera as they are still devising their strategy. A union official from Belize Water Services stressed that the service interruption this afternoon in some areas of the city was planned and approved by the City Council as part of regular maintenance. That official however warned that there may be interruptions tomorrow. And while BEL via press release has assured customers that they have a contingency plan in place, no official from your water company was available to do the same.
