BELMOPAN, Belize, CMC – At the least 11 academics are because of seem earlier than the Dangriga Justice of the Peace’s Court docket on June 11, after they have been charged in reference to blocking the roads final Wednesday as academics took to the streets in assist of a wage improve.
The Belize Nationwide Lecturers’ Union (BNTU) has defended its resolution to close down main roads and convey visitors to a standstill as negotiations with the federal government over wage will increase seem to have hit a snag.
The academics are in search of an 8.5% wage improve.
Police have since laid expenses in opposition to obstructing law enforcement officials within the line of responsibility in opposition to the union members and academics, together with Ifasina Efunyemi.
The Belize Police Division mentioned it’s reviewing the regulation to find out what expenses, if any, could possibly be introduced in opposition to the opposite protesting academics.
The regulation agency Pitts Pitts & Associates has knowledgeable the Dangriga Justice of the Peace’s Court docket that lawyer Sharon Pitts will probably be representing the accused academics.
Efunyemi blamed a mechanic on the entrance of city for a number of of the union members taking part within the industrial motion.
“ We determined to take the chance to boost issues with the general public about our struggle with the federal government over our 8.5 % wage adjustment, over the truth that we had frozen increments which are owed to us, the excessive price of dwelling, the excessive inflation fee, and so forth.
“And so, we took the chance to provide out fliers to individuals who have been close by, and we have been simply there, truly speaking with one another and seeing how we may assist and help one another. The police have been already conscious that this was taking place, they usually appeared on the scene instantly. They stood on the aspect and checked out us.
“They noticed that we have been simply there peacefully, speaking with one another till the senior officers got here on the scene. After they got here on the scene, the scenario escalated as a result of they introduced a tow truck. They didn’t supply any mechanical assist,” she added.
Efunyemi mentioned she is dissatisfied that the police have laid expenses in opposition to the academics.
“It’s shameful that they might take that place. Think about scouring our legal guidelines to search out find out how to stand in opposition to the very people who find themselves standing for them, you see. And I see that as merely a type of political manipulation. That’s all that boils right down to,” she added.
