PUP Government Called Out Over “Unfulfilled Promises”

The University of Belize Faculty and Staff Union (UBFSU) has come out swinging at the ruling PUP government in a press release dated Monday, June 17th. The union says it is disappointed with the People’s United Party for “not fulfilling its commitments to the University of Belize (UB).”

In its release, the union says that the PUP has yet to restore and increase the university’s annual subvention.

“However, with deep frustration, the UBFSU notes the PUP’s failure to follow through on these promises. Despite the party’s strong rhetoric and stated commitments, UB continues to face significant financial challenges, and the promised increase in funding has not materialized.”

In an interview with News 5 in July 2020, Education Minister Francis Fonseca criticised the then Barrow Administration’s decision to slash UB’s subvention. Fonseca called this decision “misguided,” “wrong-headed,” and “counterproductive.”

The UBFSU is calling on the PUP to “honor its commitments to the University of Belize and its faculty, staff and students.” The union is seeking “immediate restoration and increase of UB’s funding, as well as the recognition and inclusion of the UBFSU in all relevant Board meetings and decisions.”