NSUB Slams Belize Government Over $6.9 Million Land Deal Amid Corruption Claims

In an official statement today, the National Students’ Union of Belize (NSUB) expressed strong opposition to the government’s $6.9 million land acquisition for the now controversial University Hospital. NSUB alleged inflated valuations and potential corruption behind the deal, stating, “This decision, marred by allegations of inflated valuations and speculation of corruption, is not only an affront to the Belizean people but also highlights a much deeper issue in our society: the systemic inflation of land prices that locks out ordinary citizens from owning property.”

The union argued that the expenditure represents a misuse of public funds and criticised the government’s choice to invest in private land rather than enhance public assets. While NSUB supports the construction of the University Hospital, it calls for a reassessment of the project’s location, emphasising, “We call for a reevaluation of the project’s location with a focus on long-term benefits rather than short-term convenience or private gain. The UB campus remains the most logical choice—it is already the heart of higher education in Belize, and positioning a teaching hospital there would create a synergy that benefits both students and the wider community.”

NSUB also highlighted the broader issue of rising land prices in Belize, which they believe obstructs property ownership for many Belizeans. They stated, “The unchecked inflation of land prices that makes property ownership a distant dream for many Belizeans. The time has come for the Government to tackle this crisis head-on by introducing regulations that prevent land speculation and prioritise access to affordable land for Belizean families.”

The NSUB stressed that the new hospital should be a symbol of progress, not a sign of mismanagement.