By Belize Live News Staff: Tensions boiled over in southern Belize this morning as a group of teachers blocked the highway with their vehicles, demanding the immediate release of an 8.5 percent salary increase. The protest was aimed at pressuring the government to abandon its phased payout plan and instead issue the full amount now.
The Belize National Teachers’ Union is backing the protest and says educators are standing firm in their position. The group has rejected arguments about the current state of the economy, saying the agreed raise is long overdue and should be honored in full without delay.
Police arrived swiftly, with police and tow trucks moving in to dismantle the blockade. Despite the tense situation, police maintained order and ensured the protest did not escalate. Within minutes, traffic was flowing again and the roadway was cleared.
The protest, while brief, underscores growing frustration among teachers who believe the government is stalling. Whether this demonstration was a warning shot or a sign of more action to come remains to be seen.
