By Zoila Palma: Family members, friends, athletes, fellow educators, and community members gathered for a peaceful protest on Wednesday evening to express their support for San Pedro teacher Alex Noralez.
Noralez is currently accused and charged with allegedly assaulting two second form students.
Following news of the charges, fellow educators, former and current students, athletes, and concerned community members have come forward to publicly defend him and speak to his character.
Many supporters described Noralez as a man of impeccable character, a committed mentor, and a respected leader who has positively impacted countless lives throughout his years of service.
“This is not just a personal injustice it is a wound felt by an entire community. To see someone who has spent countless years teaching, guiding, and serving be wrongfully accused and removed in this manner is deeply painful and profoundly unfair. Those of us who truly know him know his character. We have seen his patience, his commitment, and the genuine care he showed to every person he helped. This decision disregards decades of dedication, countless lives changed, and the trust he earned through action not words. It ignores the students who learned from him, the people who found guidance through him, and the community that grew stronger because of his presence. To reduce a lifetime of service to accusations we know are false is not only devastating it is a betrayal of the values we claim to stand for,” Genesis Medrano said.
Former student and athlete Catra Almendarez echoed similar sentiments, describing Noralez as a positive and respectful influence.
“It’s heartbreaking to see how our system has failed, taking away a coach, a father figure, and a mentor like Mr. Alex. He has been my coach for many years, and throughout all that time, I have only ever seen him treat females with respect. To see accusations like this come out now is deeply upsetting and unfair,” Almendarez said.
Another former student, Gisselie Wiltshire, shared her personal experience with Noralez, highlighting the sense of safety and trust students felt around him.
“Over the years, I saw how many classmates and peers went to him because he made them feel safe and welcome. He helped students in so many ways that some even called him “dadz” and his wife “momz.” That alone shows the level of trust and comfort students felt around him.
I can honestly say I never felt uncomfortable or unsafe around Mr. Noralez.
It is heartbreaking what he and his family are going through, especially seeing his daughter speak up so strongly for her father. I would do the same—and more. This is injustice,” Wiltshire said.
The situation has also sparked broader concern within the education sector. Long-time Cayo educator Deborah Reneau reflected on what such cases mean for the teaching profession as a whole.
“I find myself unsettled and honestly concerned about what moments like this mean for our profession. At the primary level, teachers are expected to nurture, guide, comfort, and build trust with children. We teach love, care, empathy, and connection. Yet we are now in a space where proximity itself feels dangerous, where every gesture can be questioned, and where fear is beginning to replace trust.
That reality makes me pause. It makes me reflect on how vulnerable teachers have become, especially those working with young children who naturally seek comfort, reassurance, and human connection. It feels like we are at a point in education where everything has become a no no, and that is deeply troubling,” Deborah said.
She emphasized the need for balance and fairness.
“We must protect children always. At the same time, we must ensure that processes are fair, thorough, and responsible, and that conclusions are based on facts rather than fear or assumptions. This moment calls for wisdom, balance, and careful consideration,” she added.
The post Support pours out for detained educator Alex Noralez appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Zoila Palma: Family members, friends, athletes, fellow educators, and community members gathered for a peaceful protest on Wednesday evening to express their support for San Pedro teacher Alex Noralez. Noralez is currently accused and charged with allegedly assaulting two second form students. Following news of the charges, fellow educators, former and current students, athletes,
The post Support pours out for detained educator Alex Noralez appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
