3 weeks ago, we showed you the comments of National Security Minister John Saldivar who said at the last House Meeting that he and his ministry would extend the hand of cooperation with any organization wishing to work together for a solution to crime. Well, he kept his word and held extended dialog with the Belize National Teachers Union today at the Police Training Academy in Belmopan.
You'll remember that the union's leadership ended up in his crosshairs when President Elena Smith announced publicly that there were members within BNTU who are not happy that he has been reappointed the minister responsible for police. He even posted a strongly worded Facebook post responding to her comments on national television.
So certainly, there is no love lost between the two sides, but we were told that the meeting between Saldivar and the senior leadership of the BNTU was carried out with courtesy and professionalism - no name calling, no quarelling. Both sides were prepared to hold meaningful talks about the issues of crime prevention and citizen security.
Representing the Government were Saldivar, his Chief Executive Officers Lovell and Enriquez; Commissioner Allen Whylie; Deputy Commissioners Chester Williams and Robert Mariano; Officer Commanding Southside Belize City, Senior Superintendent Howell Gillett, and other senior police. Representing the teachers were the BNTU's Council of Management which included President Elena Smith, First Vice President Luke Palacio, and several other senior officers of the BNTU's leadership.
A press release from the Government of Belize says CEO Lovell thanked the BNTU for their willingness to join the Ministry in the fight against crime. Next was Police Commissioner Allen Whylie who outlined the efforts of the police department to address the crime situation, and how they have been trying to hold things down.
Senator Smith then gave a presentation on suggestions and recommendations they've come up with to address citizen security. The union also expressed an interest in working with the government to try and combat crime.
The meeting then progressed with a general discussion and an exchange of ideas on how to improve the Government's response to crime.
The Government Press release says, quote, "Both parties agreed that the consultation represents only the first step in the exchange of ideas and efforts between the two entities, and committed to continuing the dialogue to strive for greater citizen security."
President Elena Smith told us via phone today that she hopes that the Ministry of National Security intends to keep the dialog going with the BNTU.
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