UB and BSI Sign MoU to Enhance National Development through Education and Technology

The University of Belize (UB) and Belize Sugar Industries Limited (BSI) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance educational and technical capacities, focusing on human capital development, student internships, and advancements in soil analysis and tissue culture technologies.

This partnership aims to invest in young professionals by offering critical experiences through internships and job placements. UB students are expected to gain practical experience through thesis dissertations, field visits, and real-world applications, bridging the gap between classroom lessons and professional practice.

A key component of this collaboration is the enhancement of the Hummingbird Analytical Laboratory (HAL), transforming it into a comprehensive agricultural soil testing facility. With a recent donation from BSI, HAL is now equipped with the necessary reagents and equipment to perform a full suite of chemical, physical, and soil health tests. This advancement addresses a critical gap in the Belizean agricultural sector, enabling farmers and agronomists to make timely, cost-effective decisions to maximise yields and reduce the overuse of agrochemicals, fostering sustainable agricultural practices.

Additionally, the partnership will focus on improving micropropagation technologies to ensure the phytosanitary health of agricultural crops. Micropropagation, a tissue or cell culture technique, allows for the efficient growing, storing, and maintaining of large numbers of plants, making it a cost-effective solution. The collaboration aims to enhance disease testing techniques, micropropagation methods, and capacity building, particularly in response to the increasing prevalence of plant diseases due to climate change.