Belinda Wilson Seeking Fourth Term As B.U.T President

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NASSAU, BAHAMAS – The longest-serving President of the Bahamas Union of Teachers (BUT), Belinda Wilson, says she’s seeking another term as the union’s president, a re-election that would mark her fourth time in office.

Wilson, who secured her most recent win in 2022, previously declared that she would not seek re-election. However, she has since had a change of heart.

Belinda Wilson – President, Bahamas Union of Teachers
“But I announced earlier in the year that I will seek re-election. A number of members encouraged me. This will definitely be my last term in office, I will be retiring fully. And I want to say thank you to the members.”

Her journey with the union began in 1994, when she served as a shop steward and later as a trustee up until 1999. Despite initial reluctance to run for top leadership, she was persuaded over the years and ultimately became BUT President in 2008.

Now, Wilson says, there’s still work left to do.

Belinda Wilson – President, Bahamas Union of Teachers
“Actually, key for now is the draft industrial agreement that I’m preparing to present to the government, because the agreement that we presently have will end in a month’s time. So that will be key. We have some internal things we are doing, we want to complete the construction of our new building on Bethel Avenue. We have a pension plan that we want to expand. So there’s some work that I want to complete.”

Wilson admits the journey has been long, but ultimately rewarding, pointing to her consistent service and accomplishments over the years.

Belinda Wilson – President, Bahamas Union of Teachers
“The support that I’ve received over the years is overwhelming, and I don’t know how to say thank you to our members for the support they’ve given to me. But I always look at it like, once you do your work, once you serve the members in spirit and in truth with your whole heart, then they will reward you.”

With her eyes set on completing her final term, Wilson is determined to leave a legacy of strengthened union leadership and improved conditions for Bahamian educators.