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UB Imprint Vol 61: UB Celebrates Belize’s 38th Independence
The University of Belize (UB) at three of its campuses joined Belize in celebrating its 38th Independence. Our participation aimed not only to commemorate our independence but also to exert a concerted effort in promoting and instilling unity in our students towards achieving collective growth of the nation.
Our independence celebrations started with a flag-raising ceremony at our Belize City campus on Wednesday, September 18th, hosted by our BLUE Society – the University’s first co-ed fraternity. BLUE, which means Building Lifelong Utilitarian Experiences, held this event to stimulate unity, pride and patriotism within the University Community. This ceremony was attended by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Culture, Youth & Sports, Hon. Patrick Faber; Minister of Human Development, Social Transformation & Poverty Alleviation, Hon. Anthony Martinez; the People’s United Party Area Representative for Caribbean Shores, Hon. Kareem Musa; the Mayor of Belize City, His Worship Mayor Mr. Bernard Wagner; the Deputy Mayor of Belize City, Mr. Oscar Arnold; City Councilor for MIS, Staff Development and Training, Youth & Sports – Mr. Micah Goodin; the United Democratic Standard Bearer for Freetown – Mr. Orson Elrington and Director of Department of Youth Services - Ms. Allison McKenzie.
As noted by BLUE’s founder, Faculty member Ms. Raisa Pipersburgh, “As we are all gathered here today there are a few things we may find common amongst ourselves as Belizeans: our love for our country, the respect for our flag, and the pride instilled in our hearts from our nation’s accomplishments. And as the country’s national university, we are delighted to organize and participate in the 38th celebration of Belize’s Independence that instills appreciation, joy, dignity, and honor in the minds of our student body and community.”
Our second event, which was held on Thursday, September 19th, was our annual National Service Day ceremony. UB students, faculty, leadership and staff joined together, under the guidance of the University’s Beautification Club, to beautify the different Campuses as a tribute to National Service Day. At this year’s ceremony, which was held on the grounds of the main campus in Belmopan, Mr. Dean Fuller of Fultec Systems Limited, was the keynote speaker, who delivered an inspiring speech on the importance of volunteering, philanthropy and service to others.
UB President Clement Sankat also spoke on the importance of service. He stated, “Service prepares our Students and Faculty and Staff with the skills, knowledge, experience, as well as the determination to become leaders who wish to change the world around them... Therefore, through the promotion and encouragement of Community Service, the University is itself better delivering on its mandate to develop our students with the knowledge, skills and experiences for the world of work.”
Finally, on Saturday, September 21st – Belize’s Independence Day, students from both the Belmopan and Punta Gorda campuses participated in their respective municipal independence day parades. While both campuses participated in the parades to showcase their patriotism and love for country, in Punta Gorda, where participants vied for prizes for the best floats, the UBPG float placed first.
On behalf of the Students, Faculty and Staff of the University of Belize, Professor Emeritus Clement Sankat, takes this opportunity to thank all our sponsors and partners, who have continuously supported our students in their various activities. Your support helps our students to blossom into graduates, who are focused on change and development for Belize.
