Is UB President out? Analysis conducted on his 2-year performance
Carey Fraser
On Tuesday, reports surfaced that Guyanese President of the University of Belize, Doctor Carey Fraser, was contemplating resignation from that post. Nobody we spoke to on the campus would confirm or deny the rumors, not even Fraser, who spoke to us off camera. He told News Five that he had been “approached about leaving,” but would not tell us who approached him. Fraser told us that he had some decisions to make, and would speak when he was ready. Credible reports have surfaced that Fraser has in fact been given the option of resigning and, barring that, he will be removed. Today, Chair of U.B.’s Board of Trustees, Harrison Pilgrim, would not confirm that, but did briefly confirm that there has been an analysis conducted of Fraser’s performance of his first two of a five year contract. And this afternoon News Five managed to grab President Fraser, who was still not quite ready to speak at length.
Duane Moody
“You’ve been asked to resign. Could you give us a comment on that?”
Dr. Carey Fraser, President, University of Belize
“I’ve sent out an email today…a statement was issued earlier today and it has been broadcast on the twelve-thirty news.”
Duane Moody
“Sir it is being said that you are not performing well…could you speak to us on that?”
Dr. Carey Fraser, President, University of Belize
“People are free to express their opinions.”
Harrison Pilgrim, Chair, UB Board of Trustees
“I will certainly comment on that hopefully tomorrow when we have our press meeting, but at this point I can confirm that there has been both an external and extensive internal assessment as was required by contract at the end of Doctor Fraser’s first two years of tenure at the university.”
President Fraser sent out a release to clarify, as he puts it, “recent rumors and reports in certain sections of the media.” In a nutshell, the release asserts that Fraser’s contract is for a period of five years. It also points out that, “If the person engaged shall at any time after the signing hereof refuse to comply with his duties as President, or shall misconduct himself in a gross manner as determined by the Board, the Board may, after giving the person engaged a reasonable opportunity to answer any allegations of failure to comply with his duties or gross misconduct, recommend to the Prime Minister that the person engaged be dismissed from office, whereupon the Prime Minister, after consultation with the Leader of the Opposition, may advise the Governor General to dismiss the person engaged.” Fraser ends that release by stating that he has written to Prime Minister Dean Barrow to clarify certain issues, and will be seeking a meeting with him upon his return. Late this evening an email from U.B.’s Office of Public Information confirmed that a press conference will be held on Thursday in Belmopan.
