For months, the President of Saint John’s College Frank Garbutt has been leading the charge against the proposed teacher’s commission. And while Garbutt spoke from SJC – the feeling always was that he spoke for all Catholic schools. In what should come as a surprise to no one, that has now been confirmed as the Catholic School management has now put out its official position on the Commission.
It notes that presently, the school management decides who will staff their schools and quote,

“through employing its teachers Catholic schools are therefore able to assure a learning environment that goes beyond academics and nurtures the growth of each student in mind, body and spirit.”
And with that said, it adds that, quote:

“The Roman Catholic School System strongly believes that the...full authority to appoint, transfer, release, suspend or dismiss members of staff....must remain firmly intact...”
And it concludes that, quote:
“The proposed Teaching Service Commission...(represents) a breach of our rights as proprietors and managing authorities of our Catholic institutions.”
So that’s it the Catholic School Management does not support the Teacher services commission. Though not altogether unexpected, that’s a powerful rejection coming form the authority which manages more than half the schools in Belize, but the Ministry of Education is undeterred, or so it appears. A representative told us they are still pursuing dialogue and will be meeting with the Bishop’s association sometime soon.