UB - Channel 5 Belize

The Ministry of Education today responded to a press release issued by the University of Belize Faculty and Staff Union (UBFSU).

As we have reported, UBFSU criticised the Briceño administration over what it described as “unfulfilled promises.”

In its release, the ministry stated that it is “deeply committed to the responsible, sustainable development of the University of Belize (UB).”

“The Ministry’s objective is to have a clear plan for the sustainable, responsible financing of the national university. An element of that plan is to increase the subvention to UB from the current level to BZ$10M in the 2025/26 financial year,” the release further stated.

In an interview with News 5 on Thursday, the union’s president, Dr. Pio Saqui, told the government to “restore the subvention as it was prior to COVID and make good on the promise or honor the promise that they made to increase the subvention a million dollar each year, up to fifteen million dollars which is where it should be around now.”

The National Trade Union Congress of Belize (NTUCB) is supporting the UBFSU. In a press release, the umbrella union urged the PUP to “demonstrate accountability,” as they stand in solidarity with “UBFSU’s call for the PUP to honour its commitments to the University of Belize and its faculty, staff, and students.”

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.”

*The University of Belize Faculty and Staff Union’s Press Release.*

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.”

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