U.B. holds post Sept. 11th forum

A university is supposed to provoke critical thought and that’s just what U.B. was doing today at a public forum held in Belize City. Ann-Marie Williams reports.

Ann-Marie Williams, Reporting

Over fifty students from the University of Belize enrolled in the public administration and policy class participated in their class forum titled: “In the Eye of Turbulence”. So named because the event looks at some of the impacts of Hurricane Iris in Belize and the World Trade Centre attacks. However, according to senior lecturer Sylvia Cattouse, the forum addresses more than just the two tragedies.

Sylvia Cattouse, Sr. Lecturer, U.B.

“This forum was being planned long before the events of September eleventh. However, we thought it would be somewhat remiss of us if we did not include events of September eleventh as well as Hurricane Iris, because of the extreme impact that these events will have upon border economy and our social lives.”

Panel Discussions and presentations were held on tourism and trade.

Anthony Mahler, Belize Tourism Board

“We expect to see substitution of destinations. Certain destinations will suffer, while others will benefit. For the most part, we’re seeing that Asia and Europe will see a bigger decline than this part of the world. Who would have thought Central America would have been considered a peaceful destination?”

Jose Novelo an export business advisor was a panellist.

Jose Novelo, Caribbean Export Agency

“What does Belize’s development depend on? In my mind, it depends on a strategic partnership between government–and when I say government, I’m referring to the level of Village Councils. Because we all know the facts of life in Belize, where Village Councils play a very important role in development at the town level, and certainly at the national level.”

Health care reform and the de-monopolisation of the telecommunication sector were also discussed. Ann-Marie Williams for News 5.