Students Present Their Research Findings at Sixth Biology and Chemistry Symposium
The Faculty of Science and Technology (FST) hosted its sixth Annual Biology and Chemistry Symposium on May 17, 2019. Professor Emeritus Clement Sankat complimented the students, faculty and staff of the FST for the excellent work in their projects and noted that most of them fit within the context of climate change, environmental science and waste management issues. He further stated that this is the century for the green revolution and graduates from Biology and Chemistry programs in particular would become the leaders to help treat with matters relating to the green environment and the sustainability of our development. He further advised that they should continue to pursue their studies at the Master and even at the Doctoral level and to publish the results of their research with their academic Supervisors. He reminded them that UB will be launching the Master of Philosophy (M.Phil) by Research for the new academic year, and some who are so motivated, may wish to apply for admission.
The keynote address at the symposium was delivered by UB alumnus Ms. Ruth Gutierrez. There was also a research poster competition where Clinton Cho, Wilmer Guerra and Sabrina Blanco were awarded first, second and third place respectively. The prizes were sponsored by Belize Vector and Ecology Center. Congratulations to all!
UB Attends Closing Ceremony for EU Project on Productivity Enhancement of Banana Farms
The President, represented the University of Belize at this impressive closing ceremony of the project entitled “Productivity enhancement of Banana farms through integrated soil fertility management in the Banana Belt of Belize”, held in Independence Village at the Banana Growers Association (BGA) on May 16, 2019.
The closing ceremony was meant to celebrate the successful completion of this 18-month project funded by the European Union (EU) and managed by Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) and executed by partners like the University of Belize and the BGA. The ceremony was addressed by Mr. Nicolaus Hansmann from the European Union, Mr. Elroy Foreman spoke on behalf of BGA, and Mr. Jose Novelo represented the Government of Belize. Dr. Gabriel Rodríguez Marques, Dr. Abimbola Abiola, and Mr. Derek Charles, Dr. Chaney St. Martin and Mr. Lloyd Day represented IICA. In preparation for the ceremony President also met with Dr. Gabriel Rodríguez Marques, representative of the IICA delegation in Belize at the UB.
The University of Belize came in for considerable commendation because of its work in the refurbishment of the Micropropagation Laboratory at the Central Farm campus and most importantly for delivering 3, 500 plantlets last year to two farms in Independence. The bananas from these plants have been harvested. They are Cavendish bananas (Williams variety) and have been well accepted by BGA. President Sankat raised in his speech the matter on the sustainability of this project from UB’s perspective and challenged the BGA to enter into a contractual arrangement with UB to supply approximately 75, 000 plantlets next year at an agreed price. He also commended the UB Central Farm staff especially those from the Micropropagation Laboratory lead by Mr. Marco Cordova for their dedication to this Banana project – another success story for UB.
H.E. Remus Chen, Ambassador of Republic of China (Taiwan), Delivers Presidential Lecture at UB
H.E. Remus Chen presented his lecture entitled “Friendship of 30 Years and Beyond” to students, faculty and staff on May 3, 2019. He elaborated on the past, present and future of the strong relationships between ROC (Taiwan) and Belize.
UB Lady Black Jaguars Are ATLIB Football Champions for the Fourth Time
On Friday morning of March 6th the Lady Black Jaguars left Belmopan en route for the Island of San Pedro to play in their 4th straight ATLIB female Football Nationals. Four teams had qualified to play in the Nationals. Saint John’s Junior College (SJJC) from the Central Belize City, Centro Escolar Mexico Junior College (CEMJC) from the North, Independence Junior College (IJC) from the South and University of Belize (UB) from the West.
UB played their first match against EMJC Friday evening at 4:00 pm which they won by a score of 3 goals to 0 with 1 goal coming from Camryn Howard and 2 goals from Sabrina Eiley. This game put the Lady Black Jaguars in the finals. The second female game was between SJJC and IJC in which IJC came out with the 1 to 0 victory over SJJC and were going to match up against the UB lady Black Jaguars at 1:00 pm on Saturday afternoon for the championship match.
The game was a very exciting game to watch as both teams had numerous squandered opportunities at goal without any luck in regulation time. The game was then going to be decided by penalty kicks where 5 players from each team were selected by their coaches and would get a chance at scoring a goal to put their team closer to a victory.
UB won the toss and selected to go first and put the pressure on the opponents by scoring the first goal. The UB goal keeper Delta Flores increased that pressure by stopping the first penalty shot that went her way. At the end of the penalty shootout, UB had scored 3 goals and IJC 2 which gave UB the victory and their 4th straight ATLIB Female National Title. The 3 penalty goals came from Ada Cordova, Sabrina Eiley and Libney Mojica. Ada Cordoba was named the National’s Most Valuable Player (MVP).
The President, Vice President, Dean of Student Affairs and the Sports & Recreation Department congratulate our Lady Black Jaguars and their coach, Mr. Joseph Waight on their fine win.
Meet our Lady Black Jaguars:
Isolene Bailey, Ada Cordova, Camryn Howard, Libni Mojica, Kathian Juan, Delta Flores, Ruth Pinedo, Julia Puerto, Jasmin Andrades, Esmeralda Ramirez, Sabrina Eiley, Myra Sibrian, Leydi Pagoada, Mildred Calderon, Nayeli Waight, Yvette Garcia and Yazmin Mena.
Males Win Relathon and Look Forward to 20-20
The University of Belize held its Relathon on March 31, 2019 where the males were victorious. Mr. G.A. Harrison Pilgrim, Chairman of the UB Board of Trustees, ran the first mile for the males.
Prizes were presented at the ceremony held at the ITVET Compound in Belize City, where there was also entertainment and refreshments available.
The President commended all the athletes who participated in the long distance racing event, the sponsors who supported and of course the many staff who volunteered and worked to make the annual event a success.
UB Joins in International Day of Forests Celebration
The University of Belize (UB) joined the global community on March 21st, 2019 to celebrate the International Day of Forests. Under the theme “Learn to Love Forests,” the University held its 7th inaugural and tree planting ceremony with the Minister of State with responsibility for Environment, Sustainable Development and Climate Change, Dr. Omar Figueroa, as the Key note speaker.
As noted by its theme, this year’s celebration emphasized forestry education to achieve the goal of sustainable forest management and biodiversity conservation; and at UB, also this is particularly important as it relates to embedding our young people with a sense of responsibility and love for our country’s forests and natural environment.
The Faculty of Science and Technology held events to commemorate Earth Day and Earth Hour
Earth Hour is a global movement aimed at increasing awareness about the importance of natural resources to our daily activities. It highlights the issue of climate change, its causes and effects and what we as individuals can do to decrease our carbon footprint. On March 30th at 8:30pm – 9:30pm, the University of Belize along with the residents of the City of Belmopan joined the global community in commemorating Earth Hour 2019.
The night was filled with reflections about the goods and services we receive from our natural resources as well as how anthropogenic activities are degrading our ecosystems. Speakers including the University President reminded students and community residents that our country, Belize, also depends on its natural wealth as an income earner through the tourism sector. The President congratulated the students from Faculty of Science and Technology and the faculty and staff who supported the event including Ms. Cecy Castillo and Dr. Pio Saqui.
Then, on April 12, UB held an early Earth Day where environmentalists spoke to the students on the importance of action. The speakers included Janelle Chanona from OCEANA Belize, Photographer Tony Rath and Jamal Galves who has been instrumental in manatee conservation.
Mexican Team Visits UB to Speak about Partnering in Agriculture
The Belizean Ambassador to Mexico, H.E. Oliver Del Cid, based in City of Mexico, Mexico brought a delegation of Mexican personnel as well as some representatives from the Belizean agricultural sector including Mr. Andrew Harrison, Chief Agriculture Officer in the Ministry of Agriculture to a meeting with UB including the Central Farm Campus to enquire on the training needs for agriculture in Belize that may be delivered by Central Farm and the Faculty of Science and Technology. There was consensus that one of the pressing needs for Belize is to create new value addition to our primary agricultural production through the use of food science and technology. Urgent assistance for training of small scale food processors was one area that was highlighted.
President attends Travellers’ Launch of Don Omario’s
President Sankat accepted the kind invitation of Travellers Liquors to the launch of their newly rebranded Don Omario’s Vintage aged rum
The President congratulated Travellers for putting another fine Caribbean rum on the global map and thanked them for their steady support to the University of Belize.
Preparations are Underway for the Fifth Binational Research Seminar
The Fifth Binational Seminar Mexico-Belize will be held in Villahermosa, Tabasco, Mexico on October 23-25, 2019. The theme will be “Water as a strategic resource: multidisciplinary perspectives for a shared region”. The planning team met on March 25, 2019 in ECOSUR, Chetumal to finalize the Call for Papers and other logistics. Those interested in presenting papers should send an abstract as soon as possible to Mr. Arnulfo Kantun of the Office of Institution Advancement at [email protected].
President meets with Dr. Ismael Hoare
President Sankat met with Dr. Ismael Hoare, former Provost of the University and now Assistant Professor at the University of South Florida, USA. They spoke on collaborative prospects between the two universities in areas of mutual research.
Safety and Security Forum with Commissioner of Police
Students from the History Club organized a Safety and Security Forum at the Belmopan Campus to sensitize students on the importance of security on March 28, 2019. The Keynote Speaker was Commissioner of Police Mr. Chester Williams who emphasized to students the role everyone has to play in safety and security. He also assured students that he will do his part in ensuring that the laws are enforced so as to lessen the risk factors that lead violence.
Presentations were also made by Mr. John Salam, Ms. Tanya Santos, Ms. Michelle Carrasco, and Ms. Lynmara Rosado.
UB Lecturer Honored: 2019 Outstanding Woman Awardee, Ms. Raisa Pipersburgh!
UB’s FMSS Lecturer, Ms. Raisa Pipersburgh, was honored by the Department of Youth Services with the 2019 Outstanding Woman Awardee.
UB’s President – Professor Emeritus Clement Sankat, Vice President – Dr. Mariot Simon and Dr. Bernard Watler – Dean of the Faculty of Management and Social Sciences join the entire UB Community in extending our congratulations to Ms. Pipersburgh on her remarkable recognition.
Divergent Discussion on ICJ
The National Student Union invited different speakers to UB where each one presented on their views of Belize going to the International Court of Justice that was held on March 27, at the Jaguar Auditorium.
UB student Kevin Berganza is the current President of the National Student Union.
Belizeans Present Researches on Belize’s Security
The University of Belize hosted the Second Belize National Research Conference on April 3-4, 2019. The conference was held under the theme “Belize’s Security: Strengths, Opportunities, and Threats”. The Keynote Address was delivered by Dr. Pedro Pablo Rodriguez of the Jose Marti Institute in Cuba.
The University of Belize was represented by Dr. Christopher DeShield, Dr. Philip Castillo, Dr. Priscilla Brown-Lopez, Ms. Ivory Kelly, Osvaldo Cantun and Viola Tuyud.
Applying Mathematics in the Real World
The fourth Math Symposium entitled “Mathematics in the Real World” was held on April 2, 2019 at the Jaguar Auditorium. The objectives of the Symposium were to:
(a) Emphasize the fact that Mathematics is applicable to so many facets of our lives.
(b) Highlight current Mathematical research being done in Belize and elsewhere.
(c) Inspire faculty, students and the general community to engage in Mathematics-related research/careers.
The President explained in his address the importance of knowing mathematics in every day life and congratulated the Chair, Mr. Steven Lewis and the Faculty for the their efforts.
Spanish Students Celebrate Hispanic Day
Students in the different Spanish level courses commemorated Hispanic Day with songs, dances, music, food and art on March 28, 2019.
The Psychology of Learning Exhibition
The Psychology of Learning class of the University of Belize hosted its Symposium on Thursday, April 25, 2019 on UB’s Bookstore Verandah. The key organizer of the event was Lecturer Douglas Morrison.
The symposium is an outreach community activity where students create presentations and displays on various learning theories and strategies used in classrooms. Topics that were displayed included: Classical Conditioning, Instrumental/Operant Conditioning, Albert Bandura’s Social Learning Theory, Edward Thorndike’s Theory of Connectionism, Gestalt’s Theory, Benjamin Bloom’s Types of Learning and Retention in Learning.
International Students Host Cultural Fair
The Regional Language Center helds its annual international Multicultural fair on April 4, 2019. The students of the many Central American countries and Colombia, Mexico, Haiti and Republic of China (Taiwan). provided the audience with a taste of their home countries’ food, music, dress and dances.
Chemistry Students visit UQROO
The University of Belize (UB) has close ties with the University of Quintana Roo (UQROO) through collaborative efforts via the UB RLC center and through various activities such as the Mexico-Belize Binational Seminar. On March 29th, UQROO opened up its doors to provide a tour to UB’s first Bachelor’s in Chemistry (BCHM) cohort of students. As part of their programme, the BCHM students are being taught courses of various specialties to expose them to the vast array of possibilities available in applied chemistry. Students take courses such as Food, Soil and Forensics Chemistry. The visit was arranged to give the students a peek at what is going on in their neighbouring country, and UQROO in this field.
After arriving at the University, UB students were first given a tour of the library and laboratory facilities on the main campus.
Dra Patricia Fragoso, a professor at UQROO, then spoke at length to students about the work she is doing on soils. She is particularly interested in the biodiversity of edaphic organisms in the Mesoamerican (Mexico, Belize and Guatemala) Biological Corridor. Students were given a tour of her labs and a glimpse of the work she and her students are involved in.
Students were then escorted to Forensics Lab at UQROO’s Health Science Division. There, they were given a tour of the facilities as well as demonstrations of some of the tests done on samples. Students were also shown the various instruments used in the lab including an IR spectrometer and a GC-Mass Spectrometer.
It is hoped that in the future, we will be able to have closer ties between the science departments of the two Universities so that our students have greater access to the opportunities in research and career building available in this field.
UB, NICH and Cuba Meet on Forging a Partnership
UB was pleased to partner with the National Institute of Culture and History (NICH) in Dr. Pedro Pablo Rodriguez of the Jose Marti Institute in Cuba at the second Belize National Research Conference. They also welcomed Dr. Rodriguez together with the Ambassador of Cuba, H.E. Lissette Perez Perez to a meeting along with members of the History department so as to forge collaboration links with Cuban universities especially in the area of Belizean, Cuban and Central American History.
UB and NSCC International Explore Partnership in GIS and Coastal Management
Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC), which was represented by Mr. Michael Purcell, Academic Chair, School of Trades and Technology and Mr. Zoran Kondali, Manager, NSCC International, visited the University of Belize to explore partnership opportunities primarily related to GIS and coastal management. NSCC has extensive research and teaching experience and expertise in GIS that will be valuable in the implementation of the Professional Certificate in Geographic Information Systems.
Professor Emeritus Clement Sankat was joined by Dr. Santos Chicas and Mr. Jair Valladarez from the Faculty of Science and Technology.
UB Conducted Workshop on Multispectral Remote Sensing
The University of Belize conducted a 3-day workshop in collaboration with the Forest Department and Vancouver Island University on LIDAR and Multispectral Remote Sensing that train 16 persons from Government, Non-Government and Education institutions in an effort to build national capacity in the utilization of these technologies.
President meets with Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan)and Attends the SAGE Workshop
Dr. Linda Cooke and her colleague Ms. Milica Njegovan from College and Institutes Canada met with Professor Sankat on April 9, 2019. Dr. Cooke presented to the President the draft proposals for supporting Belize in terms of Skills to Access the Green Economy (SAGE).
The President was subsequently invited to a validation workshop in Barbados to help prepare proposals with the collaboration of the Institutes for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (ITVET) through the Ministry of Education (MOE). Dr. Margarita Gomez from the MOE also attended. The President noted that the workshop was very focused and hopefully will bring new opportunities to Belize, UB and Central Farm Campus in particular. UB would be able to benefit in preparing skills training to support climate smart agriculture and food processing for example.
We expect to hear more about SAGE and the final proposals for Belize in the months ahead.
Dr. Enriquez Participated in the International Dean’s Course
Dr. Sherlene Enriquez-Savery of the Faculty of Science and Technology participated in the International Dean’s Course, Latin America 2018/2019. The training course is part of the DIES programme (Dialogue on Innovative Higher Education Strategies) which is jointly coordinated by The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), the German Rectors’ Conference (HRK) and the Universities of Saarland (Germany) and Alicante (Spain) for Latin America since 2001. The course consisted of three modules and a series of webinars.
Module 1 (35 hours): 24 to 28 September 2018 in Saarbrücken, Germany
Module 2 (37.5 hours): 01 to 05 October 2018 in Alicante, Spain
Module 3 (35 hours): 25 to 29 March 2019 in Lima, Peru
Module I and 2 covered the issues Strategic Planning, Financial Management, University-Industry Cooperation, Internationalization, Quality Management, Research Management, and Human Resources Management. Module 3 focused more on soft skills such as Communication Skills and Networking, Media Strategy, Leadership and Diversity Management.
Participants were required to submit and defend a Strategic Action Plan for their respective Faculties at the end of the course.
FMSS Holds Ninth Research Conference
On April 25th, 2019, the University of Belize’s Faculty of Management and Social Sciences (FMSS) once again demonstrated research as the imperative to foster innovation, growth and social progress when it held its 9th Annual Research Conference, under the theme ‘Engaging Mind, Empowering Success.’ Notable research presentations included:
• Impact of Microfinance on entrepreneurial development in Belize
• Alcoholism at the University of Belize in Punta Gorda
• Social Security and Belmopan market day vendors
• Relevance of B. Sc in Hotels and Resorts
• The enemy within: Selective governance practices, Belize Greatest Security Threat
Students and faculty members presented practical and policy oriented research on a range of issues and topics of national importance, revealing just how deeply contextualized development is; that is, how it is largely based in particular sectors, in particular geographies, in particular skillsets and capacities, in particular networks and in particular industries. In other words, the University demonstrated, through its Research Symposium, that development isn’t simply about investing in education and leaving it to the markets. Instead, development in its broader context is focusing on how to build capability in particular spaces to achieve desired outcomes.
Dr. Castillo Analyses GOB’s Budget for 2019-2020
Dr. Philip Castillo, Asssistant Professor in the Faculty of Management and Social Sciences, presented an analyses of the Government’s budget for fiscal year 2019-2020. The students also had an opportunity to ask questions and suggestions on where the budget could be balanced.
Marketing Students in Belmopan Hold Expo
The Marketing Students of the Belmopan Campus demonstrated their creativity, packaging, and marketing skills when they sold their products at the Belmopan market on April 25, 2019. The students were guided by their lecturer Ms. Gayle Ozaeta.
UB Monument – Tourism Marketing class project
Introduction to Tourism Marketing class project of “a UB monument” at the Belize City campus is now completed. The students definitely gained knowledge and hands-on experience in the areas of: teamwork, strategic planning, budgeting, leadership, civic pride, marketing, social duties and responsibility to name a few in building this monument. The students were guided by their lecturer Ms. Eda Chang-Arzu.
We look forward to having our UB community and visitors enjoy our new monument and President Sankat expressed his warm congratulations to Ms. Arzu on this excellent initiative and fine achievement at the Belize City Campus.
Overseas Academic Training Supports Belize Scientists Studying The Aquatic Environment
Two University of Belize scientists have recently completed an intensive two-week programme of training in the UK, to enhance the capability of the University of Belize to study the aquatic environment.
This training forms part of the Commonwealth Marine Economies (CME) Programme, which aims to help Commonwealth Small Island Developing States make the most of their natural maritime advantages, to enable sustainable economic growth and alleviate poverty.
Some of the intended outcomes of this training include supporting Dr Joaquin Urbina and Ms Esthersita Hernandez from the National University of Belize, as they investigate the impact of land management on water quality in the Belize River watershed.
Hosted by the UK’s National Oceanography Centre (NOC) and the UK’s Centre for Ecology and Hydrology (CEH), this intensive programme involved laboratory-based training around ocean acidification, water quality, and microplastics, as well as training in land cover mapping and statistical programming.
When asked about their Fellowship experience, Dr Urbina said “This is a powerful relationship for Belize’s National University. The training I received in state of the art instrumentation and research skills will allow me to better inform policy at the highest level in Belize, and strengthen the research capacity of the nation”.
Ms Hernandez commented “Working with the CEH and NOC teams has not only allowed me to see the scientific process come to life, but has also provided essential laboratory instrumentation experience to execute my thesis project, and advance further research at UB [The University of Belize]. A partnership such as this between the University of Belize and NOC/CEH is a powerful and necessary one for Belize, a young nation in the research field at a time when research is desperately needed for improving policymaking concerning our natural resources”.
IT Students Prove their Knowledge and Skills During Internship
The Department of Mathematics, Physics and Information Technology carried out its internship program this semester and saw 23 Associates students (CMPS2992-Project) and 14 Bachelor students (CMPS4992-Professional Practice) successfully complete the courses. The associate’s course offers students a chance to gain real world working experience in various IT related areas, some of which included, junior developer, network administrator, and computer technicians among others. The students were placed at various host organizations for work over 9 weeks; every Tuesday and Thursdays.
The professional practice course at the bachelor level is more rigid and requires students to perform full time jobs, as would a regular employee of the host organization. Students work over 12 weeks (Mon-Fri) in positions such as Software Developer, System Administrator and Database Administrator among others.
Since its inception this internship has enabled our students to perform at the highest level, and show case to our stakeholders the type of skills they are gaining here at UB through our IT program. Every year students are held in high regards based on performance during the internship period and at the end of the course they are sought after by host and other organizations for permanent employment. The MPIT department, FST and UB wishes to thank all the host organizations for their continued collaboration with us and our internship program.
Students and Faculty Appear on Open Your Eyes Morning Show
On Tuesday – April 2nd, our esteemed UB Lecturers Dr. Priscilla Lopez, Dr. Christopher De Shield and Ms. Ivory Kelly along with UB student, Osvaldo Cantun and Mr. Gerardo Polanco – Lecturer at Sacred Heart College appeared on OYE to discuss their most recent research, which was presented at the 2nd Annual Belize National Research Conference on 3-4th April 2019.
The following day, UB students from Faculty of Science and Technology, Britney Hulse, Gianne Vasquez, Roberto Ramirez and Jaime Mejia went on OYE to share their views, as first time participants in the electoral process, on everything from the effectiveness of the campaign messaging, publications and signage and spoke of how it impacted their decisions for the ICJ Referendum.
CEO of SAGICOR Mr. Donald Austin Learns about UB’s Transformational Plan
The CEO of Sagicor Life Inc. Eastern Caribbean and Belize, Mr. Donald Austin, Ms. Karen Godfrey, Branch Manager, accompanied by Mr. G.A. Harrison Pilgrim, Chairman of the UB Board of Trustees, visited the University of Belize on May 3, 2019 and heard from the President on our Transformational Plan. Mr. Austin noted Sagicor’s support for tertiary education in the Caribbean and would consider UB’s proposals for support to transform the University and immediately pledged a number of internships for students from the Faculty of Management and Social Science for example to work with Sagicor.
UB Meets with Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre
President Sankat paid a courtesy call to the Caribbean Community Climate Change Center (CCCCC) and met with Dr. Kenrick Leslie, Executive Director, and his team on May 2, 2019. The meeting explored mutual collaboration in the areas of teaching and research and it was agreed that a larger meeting especially with colleagues from the Faculty of Science and Technology and the Office of Institutional Advancement will be convened.
Public Safety Department Conducts Fire Drill and Central Farm Campus Raise Awareness on Safety and Security
The Public Safety Department under the leadership of Mr. John Salam has been raising awareness on the importance of safety and security at UB. The department and the Early Childhood Stimulation Center coordinated a fire drill where the students had the opportunity to learn hands-on how to react in case of a fire.
Mr. Salam also visited the Central Farm Campus where he presented to students, faculty and staff on “How safe is your campus”.
HR Trains Faculty and Staff
The Human Resource Department held training workshops on Self-Management for leaders of the University and on Stress Management for secretaries. The Self-Management training was facilitated by Ms. Dionne Chamberlain from Chamberlain Consulting and Staff Counselor Ms. Anna Sambula conducted the stress management training.
Faculty and Staff Enjoy a Day of Fun, Games and Massages – Faculty and Staff Day
The faculty and staff of the University from the different campus came together at the Belmopan Campus to rest from their regular work and have fun on April 26, 2019. The day started with a fun ride from Mile 31, George Price Highway, to the Belmopan Campus. It was then followed with games like lime and spoon, needle and thread, sack race, balloon toss, track and field and volleyball. Staff were also able access treatments of manicure, pedicure, and massages.
The President congratulated the Human Resource Department and all who participated and attended to make this day a success.
Update on the IBCE
Indian High Commissioner, Ambassador Muktesh Pardeshi, accompanied by H.E. Arun Hotchandani – Honorary Consul of India in Belize and Mr. Aliawati Longkumer, First Secretary, visited the University of Belize and toured the India Belize Centre for Engineering (IBCE). The Ambassador who was on a farewell visit commended the University of Belize for seizing the opportunity presented by this IBCE project to build the capacity for the department of Engineering and for Belize
The work on installing and commissioning equipment for the Centre continues. This will be followed by the training of suitable personnel.
The President congratulated and thanked Ambassador Pardeshi for the deep interest showed in advancing the cause of the IBCE Project and the development of UB. He wished him well on his new diplomatic posting to New Zealand.
Construction of Conference Centre Building has started
We are witnessing the construction of the Conference Center Building at Belmopan, under the watchful eye of Mr. Francis Burns of Physical Plant and the President. The work is being done by GRun Construction, and progress since they very recent start has been very satisfactory. We expect a finished lovely facility, ready for the new academic year 2019/2020.
The New Faculty of Health Sciences – Medical Program and Building Coming Soon
The work continues on the planning for the new Faculty of Health Sciences and its proposed new Medical program. UB received bids from seven contractors to build new facilities for FHS to house the medical program. From these bids a successful contractor has been approved by the Board of Trustees. The next step is to secure adequate funding through a loan to support this project.
UB Student Zayna Flowers Joins Citizen Science GIS
Zayna Flowers is currently an undergraduate student of the University of Belize pursuing her degree in Natural Resource Management. She is so excited to be spending the summer with the University of Central’s Florida Citizen Science GIS team in Belize. She was introduced to GIS in her first semester as an undergrad student and she mentioned that it was quite a challenge at first but turned out to be rewarding in the end. She said ‘I am constantly pushing myself and challenging myself with new things because I believe that the greatest lessons and outcomes come from challenging experiences.’ She is seeking to gain additional experience in GIS and research while incorporating what she knows to positively impact her country through this community- based research opportunity. Zayna will work with the National Science Foundation (NSU, USA) Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) team on the Open Reef drone mapping work (funded outside of the NSF grant).
Courtesy of Citizen Science GIS
Commemoration for Kevin Frutos
Kevin Frutos is the third student we, as a UB family, have lost in such a short period of time due to violence. The President had remarked
His death is a loss to our University; the matter of criminality continues to create grief for our University and for our society, particularly our young people. I must reiterate these killings of our young people must stop and this matter must be addressed. As well, as a UB community, we must also be mindful to our own personal security and have the necessary consciousness and information to make safe choices with respect to our own security on and off the campuses.
The University held a commemoration ceremony on April 24, 2019 for Kevin where his family and friends gathered to share memories they shared with Kevin.
