Five Belizeans graduate from British University
Five more Belizean students have graduated from Anglia Ruskin University in the United Kingdom. Christopher McGann, Elmer Murray, Sergio Acosta, Caryn Ann and Leni Ysaguirre successfully completed their studies in November 2007 but were celebrated at home on Monday in a short ceremony at the Radisson Hotel in Belize City. University Chancellor Lord Michael Ashcroft, who sponsors the Ashcroft International Business School at Anglia Ruskin, says the students received Bachelor of Arts degrees in business management, accounting and finance and international financial markets.
Lord Michael Ashcroft, Chancellor, Anglia Ruskin University
“I would love to be able to find a way in which we can develop a relationship between Anglia Ruskin and the University of Belize within Belize. For example, Anglia Ruskin has a university in Trinidad in which there are one thousand eight hundred students that are able to get a degree of international standards without having to leave Trinidad. And wouldn’t it be wonderful if we were able to be able to do something like that in Belize; raise the standard of university education in Belize with a recognized international degree. Or even if we couldn’t go that far wouldn’t it be great if we were able to have our students perhaps spend one of three years in Belize and maybe two in the United Kingdom. That will enable more students to get an Anglia Ruskin degree in business but only have to serve two years. That sounds a bit like a prison sentence doesn’t it—serve two years—but you know what I mean; it’s to be able to go for two years rather than the full three. It keeps the cost of education down but keeps the standards very high.”
Ann-Marie Williams
“So what’s keeping you back? “
Lord Michael Ashcroft
“I think we’re going to have discussions with the Ministry of Education here and once the election is over I would really like to be able to sit down with whoever is the minister of education and say “what do really want to achieve in higher education in Belize? And can we help to achieve that objective?” between myself as Chancellor of Anglia Ruskin, the university itself and the education authorities in Belize.”
Elmer Murray, Graduate, Hon. B.A. Accounting and Finance
“It was wonderful. It was great. You know, all the excitement, the sightseeing, going back to the old continent. It was great.”
Ann-Marie Williams
“Had you had that same opportunity to study here at the U.B. for a first degree and doing it in England, what are some of the merits and demerits and which do you think you would have enjoyed better?”
Elmer Murray
“Well, definately England. I mean, in Belize it wouldn’t be the same. I mean, you know moving to different culture, to a different country, a different lifestyle; it’s not the same so England anytime. Plus if you think about it’s part of learning.”
Belizeans who are interested in applying for a first degree scholarship to the Ashcroft International Business School in the U.K. are encouraged to check their local newspapers for details.
