By Belize Live News Staff: In his State of the Nation address, Leader of the Opposition Dr. Moses Shyne Barrow criticized the Briceno government’s education policies, pointing to a severe shortage of teachers and inadequate funding for schools.
Barrow stated that the government’s decision to require teachers to complete 120 Continuous Professional Development (CPD) hours within five years has placed an “unreasonable burden” on educators. He added that this requirement has contributed to high attrition rates in the teaching profession, worsening the existing shortage of teachers in Belize.
“The current administration’s policies are driving our teachers out of the profession. The result is a failing education system where children are the ultimate victims,” Barrow said. He also condemned the government for reneging on promises of free education and failing to provide adequate student loan solutions.
Barrow called for reforms to reduce CPD hours, digitize the professional development process, and create policies that support teachers rather than penalize them.
