Minister of Educations Speaks on New UB Insurance Plan

Patrick Faber

There’s another brewing story coming out of the University of Belize, where we understand students have been informed that they must now obtain mandatory insurance. If they don’t apply and pay the fee by the end of next month their registration would not have been completed, which means that they can’t be enrolled. Faber told News Five it was only brought to his attention on Tuesday and he has not had a chance to check in with those in authority at the University.

Patrick Faber, Minister of Education

“If you want me to comment based on what I believe is right, I think that if the University wants to implement such a thing that due notice should be given. I don’t believe in springing costs on students. In fact while I know that education is expensive I believe that ample time should be given. This is how we operate certainly in the Ministry of Education, and if proper notice…whatever that proper notice may be according to the University rules and so on…if proper notice was not given then I join the students in appealing to the University to stay the execution of that decision or to find some way to allow those who are willing to be a part of it at this time to do so, and those who may not be, to not do so, but I suspect that what’s happening is that to get the best package deal, everybody should be on board. Forty five dollars an academic year is a very small amount to pay for that kind of insurance and it may well be in the best interests of the students themselves to participate so that that can be offered at such a low cost. I’ll say this too – it’s not unusual for universities to make mandatory insurance payment contributions from these students. This is something that is worldwide. If it is that the students can see the benefits, I encourage them to join on to it. But again, principle is principle. If there is some kind of rule that says ample notice must be given before making such fees mandatory, then I’ll make that appeal to the university officials.”