Tag:
University of Belize
Government
GOB holds press conference to clarify land purchase for New Belmopan Hospital
After receiving public and media criticism, the Government of Belize issued an official statement on Monday, August 26th, to address concerns about purchasing two parcels of land valued at $6.9 million for a new hospital in Belmopan City. During a press conference, the Ministry of Health and Wellness clarified that the hospital's location would be changed from the originally planned site, which the University of Belize offered for free, to a new location next to the Hector Silva Air Strip. The decision was made because the government found the University of Belize's land offer inadequate.
Education
The University of Belize Enhances its Registration Process and Addresses Recent Challenges
The University of Belize takes this opportunity to update its students and all other stakeholders on the work it is doing to elevate all its service areas that impact students’ registration every semester. At the start of the registration period for the August semester, the university became aware that the servers that host the Xenegrade registration portal were giving students very slow access and dropped completely several times. Despite these challenges, over 4,500 students have now registered successfully. Nevertheless, some students are encountering a few challenges with their invoices, and with finding spaces in the classes they would like to take.
Government
Government Explains Acquisition of Land for New Hospital in Belmopan
In April 2023, Cabinet approved the construction of a modern national referral tertiary care hospital that would also serve as a university hospital for the University of Belize, which would be funded by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia by way of a US$45m loan through the Saudi Arabia Fund for Development. This proposed hospital was approved by the House of Representatives on 19th May 2023, and signed into law in June of 2023. On 16th April 2024 Cabinet gave its approval for the relocation of the proposed Belmopan Tertiary Hospital, to a more accessible location near the George Price and Hummingbird Highways.
Conservation
The Bonefish and Tarpon Trust conducts educational presentations at primary schools in the Cayes
On Wednesday, June 5th, the Bonefish and Tarpon Trust (BTT) wrapped up a series of presentations at several San Pedro Town and Caye Caulker primary schools. The science-based organization, committed to conserving flats, fisheries, and habitats, conducted educational sessions with students from Infant Two and Standard One classes. The sessions focused on protecting fisheries habitats and the life cycle of tarpon, a protected fish species in Belize.
Community and Society
San Pedro celebrates Earth Day with a colorful beach event
San Pedro residents commemorated Earth Day on Saturday, April 20th, with an educational and fun fair at the Boca del Rio Beach Park. The family activity was themed ‘Neon Glow Night.’ The gathering included educational booths, mechanical games, music, lively presentations highlighting the importance of preserving the planet, and the presence of Miss Earth Reyna Choj.
Community and Society
SPTC holds Autism Awareness Walk/Run
On Friday, April 19th, the San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) organized an autism walk/run starting at Central Park to raise awareness, understanding, and support for children on the autism spectrum. The event began at 6AM, and by 9AM, the winners had completed the run. The event was a collaborative effort between Councilor Johnnia Duarte, Councilor Marina Kay, and Mayor Wally Nunez, with the support of the University of Belize's Environmental Club to coincide with Autism Awareness Month.
Government
Fourth Belize Forensic Science Symposium Launch
The Ministry of Home Affairs and New Growth Industries via its National Forensic Science Service and the Belize Crime Observatory, in partnership with the University of Belize, launched the fourth Belize Forensic Science Symposium at the Jaguar Auditorium, University of Belize. This initiative is part of the InfoSegura Project, a citizen security regional strategic partnership between the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), which has been central to enhancing the capacities of key institutions ensuring the security of Belize’s citizens over the past decade.
Environment
Belize and the UK Tackle Marine Plastic Pollution
The Department of the Environment (DOE), the University of Belize (UB), and several stakeholders have been working with the UK Government’s Ocean Country Partnership Programme (OCPP) to continue to support Belize’s work to address marine pollution challenges. Over the last 3 years, the partnership has collaborated to develop preventative measures and actions, invested in new scientific skills and equipment, supported the use of innovative technology, and provided opportunities to secure the healthy and productive future of Belize’s ocean and waterways.
