And while the veterans dominated the day’s activity with their
“across-the-floor” antics – like we said earlier, the biggest
business of the days was the draft Education and Training Bill – presented
for its first reading. Here’s how that went.
Jules Vasquez Reporting,
Teachers and Education Ministry senior staff crowded the gallery at today’s
House sitting in Belmopan. They were there to witness the introduction of the
draft Education and Training Bill by an unusually restrained Education Minister
Patrick Faber.
Hon. Patrick Faber, Minister of Education
“Some would say that I put myself in trouble and I create turmoil.
I don’t think it is a secret Mr. Speaker that what I say sometimes gets
me into trouble. Is there anyone here that doesn’t know that.”
Indeed, Faber stuck very close to his script as he avoided chest thumping or
triumphalist declarations – outlining in modest terms what the Teaching
Services Commission aims to do.
Hon. Patrick Faber,
“The draft bill proposes to establish a Belize Teaching Services Commission.
This commission should be an independent body comprising of representatives
from the various sectors in the education system. The commission will have the
broad functions to ensure compliance with the standards set by the Ministry
for entry into teaching to assure the quality and status of the Belize teaching
force and the quality of the delivery of education and all regulations governing
the services of teachers with respect to employment, appointment, transfer,
discipline, and termination of teachers in government and government primary
and pre-primary, secondary, and tertiary and TVET institutions subject to the
provisions of sections 19 and 21 of this act.
The specific powers and functions are detailed at section 17 of the bill.
In effect the commission will assume some of the functions of the Chief Education
Officer as it relates to the administration of employment and conditions of
service of teachers that prove onerous and hinder a focus on policy development
and implementation by the Minister of Education.
The commission will be supported by a secretariat which shall be a strengthened
version of the general school services of the MOE. The commission should also
be balanced by an appeals tribunal which shall have the power to confirm or
set aside decisions relating to disciplinary actions or transfer of teachers
by the Commission and any other action taken by the commission against managing
authorities.
I can think of five reasons for the establishment of these teaching services
commission. One, to ensure that our children benefit from qualified teachers
in our schools. I am aware that qualified teachers are no guarantee of quality
education in our school system but it certainly increases the chances of quality
education.
Two, to ensure the rules and regulations governing the terms and conditions
of employment of teachers are applied fairly and squarely to all teachers free
from political, religious, or other influence.
Thirdly, to raise the status of teachers and increase public confidence
in the teaching services by ensuring we have qualified teachers in our schools
and ensuring that they are treated fairly and squarely. This will not only raise
the status of teachers but also increase public confidence in the teaching services
of this county. Fourthly, to safeguard the interest of all stakeholders. A qualified,
fairly treated and accountable teaching force will benefit everyone as parents
and students should experience a higher quality of education, managements will
be able to hold teachers’ accountable and teachers will be treated fairly
without fear of religious, political or other victimization.”
The Bill has been presented for first reading – and what are
expected to be fairly robust round of consultations should follow.
But two bills that were passed by the house today are the Returnable
Containers Bill – yes, the same one the one you’ve seen so many
ads about. It will soon be law and will make it so that you have to pay a refundable
deposit on imported beverages like Red Stripe and Heineken.
Also introduced and taken through all three readings today was the
Towns Property Evaluation Bill – which we’d like to call “Leila’s
Law” – which allows city and town councils to approve discounts
on property tax. The need for the legislation came to light when it was pointed
out in an audit report of the city council that under Leila Peyrefitte’s
tenure as councilor with responsibility for finance, discounts were given but
without any legal authority – and making it law now confirms that –
though widely and long practiced - it was not lawful before.
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