University of Belize Celebrates 23rd Anniversary

The University of Belize is celebrating its 23rd anniversary today.  A small and informal ceremony was held this morning on the school’s compound in Belmopan where Vice President, Dr Shirlene Enriquez-Savery reflected on how far the institution has come since its opening in 2000.

Also speaking at this morning’s ceremony was UB President, Dr Vincent Palacio.  His presentation surrounded a reflection on how far the university has progressed, as well as the competition it faces with other tertiary institutions including St John’s Junior College which now offers a Bachelors Program.

Dr. Vincent Palacio, President, University of Belize: “We’re 23 years old as a university and at 23 we now should exhibit, show some level of independence. We return young men, young women. So we have more responsibilities at 23 years old. When we started this year, I made a comment at a similar gathering that the walls of this university will come down. The walls of this university must come down. This is the national university after all. It is the country’s university. It is our university. And believe me or not the wall is crumbling by the minute. The walls are going down faster than we could even keep up. Vice President, people want to come in and sign agreements with us. People want to come and partner with us. Now we’re at a point where we have to look at it very seriously, and how else can we benefit? The walls are coming down. Even in culture, look at the steel band it’s on campus now. This is what the National University should be about; about the people for the people. Word is getting out. Walls are down, people want to be a part and it’s reflected in several ways. Even the international agencies, the Nature Conservancy, TNC, The World Bank, the IDB, are recognizing us now as viable alternatives to do work for them, to do consultancies for them, to do research for them.”