Leader of the Opposition discusses UB crisis

We reported on the financial mess at the University of Belize. This afternoon, the government issued a five-minute page statement warning students of the protest and saying that it has increased its subvention to U.B. by over a million dollars. But Leader of Opposition, John Briceño, has a few reservations with government’s approach and says they ultimately have to face the music.

John Briceño, Leader of the Opposition
“Any discussion about increasing rates by as much as five hundred percent is preposterous and ludicrous considering the economic climate that we have in Belize. Students are already saying that if they increase fees, many of them will have to drop out. Secondly teachers, I think again, looking at the cost of living that continues to go up, it is unfair to ask teachers to accept any freezes in their increment. And thirdly, the Minister of Education also has a responsibility. He appointed this board. He has to make sure that the board does not increase rates on its students and that they do not have a wage freeze on the teachers. The University of Belize has to take a close look at its finances and they have to cut the fat. The University of Belize has to take a close look as to how they are spending their money. There have been a lot of criticisms so obviously a lot of money can be saved. But if there is still a shortfall, then the government has to step in.”