UB Insights - April - December 2017

The Transformation at UB has started

2017

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University of Belize INSIGHTS

Table of Contents

Professor Clement Sankat Installed as the Seventh President of UB UB President, Prof. Clement Sankat Appointed Professor Emeritus by UWI ACADEMICS UB Launches First MBA UB Launched 5 New Programs 530 UB Graduates in June Students Welcomed at Matriculation Ceremony FST shares Fun Science Expo Students Honor Earth Day UB Receives Innovators Award from Caribbean Association of Pharmacists RLC Holds Seminar on Language Learning Psychology can be Fun Childhood Stimulation Centre 8th Moving On Ceremony 9th Annual Macaroni Competition: Building Bridges Applying Mathematics for Life FMSS Marketing and Small Business Expo The Importance of Entrepreneurship RESEARCH FMSS Holds Seventh Research Conference FST Faculty and Student Publish Research in International Journal FEA: Setting Research Trends UB Lecturers presents at Monetary Studies Conference Promoting Biology and Chemistry Through Research BUILDING PARTNERSHIPS UB and Belmopan City Council Strengthen Partnership for National Development “Institutional Assessment for the Enhancement of Operations of UB” Stakeholder Workshop UB and Korea establishing ties for a Modern School of Engineering UB Lecturer Ms. Ivory Kelly presents at the Regional Writers’ Conference in Benque University of North Georgia Students learns about Belize UB Student Participates in International Museum Day UB-UQROO Exchange 2017 5 Students benefit from PACT-UB Scholarship Program 2017 Taiwanese Students Volunteer in Belize including at UB UB and US Embassy expanding Opportunities Joyful Two: UWI Arts Chorale & Steel Concerts Stronger Partnerships: Embassy of Cuba Partnering to Develop a Masters in Education Germany: Academic Exchanges UB and WWF First Ever Watershed Management Plan for Belize UB Team Led by the President Attends Third Belize-Mexico Bi-national Seminar at ECOSUR UB Students and Faculty Present at the Third Bi-national Belize-Mexico Seminar UB Signs Agreement with VIU CARDI and UB to Collaborate in the Agricultural Sector UB & Mexican University Sign Cooperation Agreement UB Joins Partners to Create Awareness of Intellectual Property and Innovation

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April-December

UB’s Participation in Erasmus + International Week At University of Valladolid, Spain UB Students on Study Aboard Program IAEA Technical Cooperation Project BZE7002 Success in 2017 at UB “Fultec Systems Computer Lab” at the University of Belize Establishment of the India-Belize Centre of Engineering CAMPUS LIFE Student Government Leaders Patriotic Students participate in 21st Parade Students Placed Informational Signs about Animals on Campus Let’s Build UB Together: The Physical Transformation UB Celebrates National Service Day UB PG Holds Golden Oldies Banquet Fundraising Event UB Environmental Club 2nd Annual Recycled Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony LECTURE SERIES UB Takes a Bold Stand Against Cyberbullying and Sexting Analysing the Impact SSB’s Wage Bands will have on Payments A Critical Look at Effects of Glyphosate UB and US Embassy Student Forum: The Underrepresentation of Women in Politics Learning from the Leaders Belize: Exploring Security Threats Home and Abroad Student Forum: Investigative and Ethical Journalism with Kendis Gibson Lecture on Impact of Trauma on Children’s Development Nursing Students Learn More about Diabetes FMSS Lecture: Emerging Values for a Sustainable Global Society UB Hosts Premiere Screening of Green Days by the River - A Film by Michael Mooleedhar Courtney Presents at Silvaana Udz Lekcha 1st Presidential Lecture Series: Student Advocacy & Social Responsibility 2nd Presidential Lecture Series: Tribute to Fidel Castro PRESIDENTIAL NEWS UB President Assumes Leadership of the Council of Central American Universities – CSUCA The President of the University of Belize Addresses the Non-resident Ambassadors President Speaks at NATS UB President partakes in Entrecon 2017 UB 1st “President’s All-Inclusive Endowment Fete” President Meets Administrators, Faculty and Staff: Transformational Plan 2017-2022 A Transformational Leap for the University of BelizeVision 2022: Prologue SPORTS FOR DEVELOPMENT Black Jaguars are the ATLIB Volleyball Champions 2017 UB Black Jaguars Represents UB in Mexico THE SPIRIT OF GIVING UB Awards First President Scholars’ Scholarship to Dianera Shol of Toledo UB Awards Scholarships to 45 Student – Athletes HUMAN RESOURCES SECTION UB Welcomes Vice President Dr. Mariot Simon UB Welcomes ICT Director, Mr. Abdulaziz Sanderson UB Welcomes Wellness Nurse Rosa Thompson PICTURES TELL 1000 WORDS

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University of Belize INSIGHTS

Professor Clement Sankat Installed as the Seventh President of UB

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n a ceremony filled with academic regalia and pomp. In the very historic St. John’s Anglican Cathedral of Belize, Professor Clement Sankat, formerly Pro Vice-Chancellor and Campus Principal of the St. Augustine Campus of the University of the West Indies (UWI) Trinidad, was installed by the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the University of Belize (UB), Mr. Harrison Pilgrim, as the Seventh UB President.

President Sankat was robed in his new academic gown by the Governor General of Belize, Sir Colville Young. The ceremony was blessed by the presence of the Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Belize, the Rt. Rev. Philip S. Wright and among the other dignitaries present including the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Forestry, the Environment and Sustainable Development and Immigration, Senator Hon. Godwin Hulse, who brought congratulations from the Government of Belize, other members of parliament, Mayor and Councillors, Ambassadors, Heads of Institutes and representatives of the UWI, representatives of the students, the staff, the alumni, the business, the international community and the professions who offered greetings and tributes. Mrs. Deborah Domingo, Chief Executive Officer in the Ministry of Education represented Honorable Patrick Faber.

Mr. Harrison Pilgrim, Chairman, spoke glowingly on the training, experiences, leadership and values Professor Sankat brings to the University of Belize and therefore the expectations of this young University to grow and thrive.

Professor Sankat, in front of a full historic Cathedral, addressed the installation ceremony and after expressing his gratitude to the Board of Trustees of UB and the Government of Belize, he spoke of his vision for this National University of Belize and his priorities for its transformation, one that has already commenced. He spoke about National universities in small, developing countries, their role, the challenges they face in fragile economies, the opportunities and the imperative for such Universities to be supported,

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President Sankat delivers his Inaugural Address

to be creative themselves so as to enhance and sustain human and national development.

Professor Sankat said to the gathering, “I hope to lead UB on the path to a renewed hope - one that creates new and wider educational opportunities for the young people of Belize to get a relevant, quality education; bringing the knowledge resident at the University to shape and facilitate Belize’s development pathway through leadership, research, creativity and innovation and all together bringing service to the people of Belize.”

Equally important, he spoke of a UB which would truly be a social partner by engaging “in problem solving, treating with national issues like poverty and crime, the economy, health care, education, the creative arts, the environment, energy, food and agriculture, industry etc., thus shaping the possibilities for a better future.” Professor Sankat, an Engineer by training, focused on “Building and Transformation” at UB. The ceremony had a special, memorable flavor in that much stirring songs and music filled the Cathedral performed by the UWI St. Augustine Arts Steel and Arts Chorale, together with Belizean Drummers lead by the exceptional UWI academic and conductor Mr. Jessel Murray. Coincidentally, Mr. Jessel Murray and his ensemble performed in 2008 at Professor Sankat’s installation as Principal and Pro Vice-Chancellor of UWI at the St. Augustine Campus.

April-December

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University of Belize INSIGHTS

UB President, Prof. Clement Sankat Appointed Professor Emeritus by UWI

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he Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the University of Belize, Mr. Harrison Pilgrim, joined the rest of members of the University of Belize (UB) Board of Trustees, Administration, Faculty and Staff in congratulating UB’s President, Professor Clement Sankat, on being bestowed with the title of Professor Emeritus by the University of the West Indies (UWI) following the recommendation by the St. Augustine Campus Academic Board and the approval by the University Finance & General Purposes Committee in its meeting held on February 10, 2017.

Professor Sankat’s long and significant service and contribution to UWI includes his service as Principal of UWI’s St. Augustine Campus from 2008-2016. Under his leadership, the St. Augustine Campus became the largest within the Regional University system with approximately 19,000 students, new Faculties and academic staff and new facilities including the South Campus being built in Southern Trinidad. The Campus also received Institutional Accreditation for the first time in 2010 under his stewardship.

When asked how he feels about the award, Prof.

Sankat said “I think it is always a good feeling to be recognized for one’s work. For me, UWI has been my life for very many years and I’m therefore very pleased that the university has seen fit to recognize me for my academic and administrative work.”

Additionally, he noted that it is also important that we learn to recognize our staff, both past and present, for their contribution to taking UB to where it is.

The Minister’s Representative for the Industry Private Sector to the Board of Trustees, Mr. Lynn Young, stated that “Professor Sankat’s recognition as Professor Emeritus at UWI is well deserved and a proud moment for the hundreds if not thousands

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Professor Emeritus Clement Sankat

of engineers in Belize and the wider Caribbean Community, who like myself, were fortunate to be tutored by him at the UWI St. Augustine campus in Trinidad. At UB, we are especially proud and grateful to have such a distinguished Caribbean Educator leading the development of our young and dynamic University.”

UB chairman, Mr. Harrison Pilgrim, remarked that “The Board of the University of Belize is certainly aware of the tremendous value Professor Emeritus Clement Sankat brings to the leadership of our institution and we congratulate our President on the occasion of receiving outstanding recognition

by UWI.”

April-December

ACADEMICS

UB Launches First MBA

(L-R) Dr. Bernard Watler, Mr. Gilbert Middleton (back), Mr. Kevin Geban, Ms. Stevanni Duncan, Professor Emeritus Clement Sankat, Hon. Tracey Taegar-Panton, Dr. Mariot Simon, Mr. Harrison Pilgrim and Dr. Vincent Palacio

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he University of Belize through the Faculty of Management and Social Sciences (FMSS), launched its Master of Business Administration (MBA), the first Graduate Program for the 17 years old institution on December 7, 2017.

The Tapir Room at the Best Western Plus, Belize Biltmore Plaza was packed to capacity with invited guests from the Business Community and support of members of Faculty and Staff of UB. Mr. Pilgrim applauded the entire UB team for their dedication to the transformation of the National University.

Ms. Stevanni Leigh Duncan, an Associate Attorney at Law at Barrow and Williams Law Firm and prospective Student of the inaugural UB MBA, captivated the room with a personal testimony on why she decided to apply to do her MBA at The University of Belize. Stevanni said, “Having a Master’s Degree is very important now in the country of Belize. For me as an Attorney, pursuing a Master’s in Business Administration will help me in understanding more about the intricacies of Business and help me be a more rounded Attorney serving the Business Community.”

Stevanni spoke of how much more affordable it is to complete a MBA right here at home. She said, “Even if you get a scholarship to attend a

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Hon. Tracey Taegar-Panton congratulated UB for achieving this milestone

University abroad there are costs that can really add up such as transportation, boarding, lodging and more than anything else, being away from family. Doing it (MBA) here at UB you can walk, drive or catch a cab or bus while working to pay for your MBA.” Stevanni’s perspective was right on point and Professor Sankat said, “It is no wonder why Stevanni is at the center of the head table, as students are the center of the Business of the University of Belize.”

Honorable Tracy Taegar Panton, Minister of State in the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Commerce, was the keynote speaker at the launch.

Her address had powerful ...Continued on page 5

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University of Belize INSIGHTS

UB Launched 5 New Programs

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he University of Belize (UB) as the National University recognizes the need to increase its program offerings to students and launch five new programs in August 2017 as follows:• Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration BBUA (Concentrations in Marketing - BBMK, Management - BBMN, and Finance - BBFN) • Bachelor’s Degree in Medical Laboratory Science (BMLS) • Bachelor’s Degree in Pharmacy (BPHA) • Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education (AECE) • Certificate in Agriculture (CAGR) These programs were approved by the Board of Trustees of UB chaired by Mr. Harrison Pilgrim at its Board Meeting on 5th June, 2017.

These programs will address key areas in Belize’s national economic development through the development of our Human Capital.

UB Launches First MBA Cont’d substance from a macro perspective of the significance of providing higher education with access here at home. Hon. Panton spoke of the importance of education to the Government of Belize, evident from the sizable 21% of the national budget that is allocated to education.

She said, “The herculean efforts of the Minister of Education, his team of advisors, educational professionals must be applauded.” As a part of the Ministry responsible for Investment, Trade and Commerce, she explicated that there are numerous times when companies and agencies are forced to seek human resources outside of Belize to fill key positions required because the expertise is not available within the country.

“To the UB team, your collective and individual efforts will help us to challenge the status quo and improve Belize’s competitiveness. To each student, make the most of opportunity you are given. Work hard, think critically and take risk.”

She ended off by congratulating the University of Belize for launching an MBA program to bridge the ...Continued from page 4

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The MBA will help Stevanni become a more rounded attorney serving the Belizean society

gap between the opportunities and the available expertise for Belize.

More information on the UB MBA is available at the University’s website ub.edu.bz.

President Sankat congratulates Dr. Bernard Watler, his team and everyone who turned the dream of a UB Graduate Program to a reality.

April-December

530 UB Graduates in June

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he University of Belize honored 530 Graduates during its June Commencement Exercises which was held on Saturday, 24th June, 2017, and Sunday, 25th June, 2017 at the City of Belmopan and Punta Gorda Town respectively.

The keynote address in Belmopan was delivered by the Mayor of Belize City, His Worship, Mr. Darrell Bradley. Belizean Educator, Dr. Elizabeth Cardenas did the keynote address for the Punta Gorda ceremony.

The graduates by faculties are as follows; Education and Arts - (190); Management and Social Sciences (151); Science and Technology - (117); and Nursing, Allied Health, and Social Work - (72). Of the total number of graduates 326 (61.5%) were females and 204 (38.5 %) were males. This year 33 of the graduands received Certificates from the project: Improving the Quality and Relevance of Early Childhood and Secondary Education in Northern Belize, done in partnership with the Government of Belize and funded by the European Union.

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During the ceremony, distinguished students received academic honor and received the UB official honour chords. The tri-cable white honour chords recognize those graduating Cum Laude (GPA 3.5 - 3.64); gold honour chords signifies Magna Cum Laude (GPA 3.65-3.84); and purple honour chords identifies Summa Cum Laude (GPA 3.85-4.0) graduates.

The Board of Trustees, Management, Faculty and Staff of the University of Belize congratulate the graduates on their achievement, and extend best wishes to them as they work to become catalysts for change and development in Belize. The commencement exercises were held under the theme “Let’s Build UB Together”.

The top Achievers were Emile Hung Associate Degree in Biology, Math and Physics (3.98) Esther Sun - Bachelor Degree in Math Education (3.96) Kevin Forrester - Diploma in Education Methodology (3.84).

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University of Belize INSIGHTS

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April-December

Students Welcomed at Matriculation Ceremony

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he new Academic Year 2017-2018 has begun for the University of Belize (UB). Faculty, staff and the leadership team formally welcomed students at the historic and first matriculation ceremony in Belmopan on 16th August, 2017 and August 24, 2017 in Belize City.

Professor Emeritus Clement Sankat, President of UB indicated to students that, “the matriculation is a formal ceremony, to mark your enrollment as a student of the National University of Belize.

It symbolizes your right of passage into this University, that you have met the standards for entry into our University and that you are now all enrolled as a student in a Certificate, Associate Degree or Degree program of the UB”.

President Sankat also spoke of his vision for the University to grow and how the collaboration and partnership between the Government, students and the community is also essential for nation building.

Since UB is Belize’s National University, its importance was also shared in the keynote address for the Belmopan campus which was delivered by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Youth and Sports, Honorable Patrick Faber. Minister Faber reflected on his own journey as a young student and shared the perspective that the nearly 5,000 students at UB are a great investment for the future of Belize. He also urged that the young people of Belize must be given opportunities to succeed.

The Belize City keynote address was delivered by UB Board Chairman, Harrison Pilgrim. Mr. Pilgrim spoke about the intrinsic and financial importance of a university education. Mr. Pilgrim told the gathering, “The value of a university education is not reaped by the individual alone. Among other things, access to and attainment of a university education creates a pool of resilient workforce for the future economy, promotes social mobility, and yields positive externalities such as social stability and well-being. While substantial private returns may incentivize individuals to pursue a university education on his/her accord, there are both economic and non-economic benefits to the public in general. Your enrollment at UB and this matriculation exercise is symbolic of the significant value your academic pursuit promises

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Hon. Patrick Faber delivered the remarks in Belmopan and Mr. Pilgrim welcomed the students in Belize City

to contribute to the communities from which you come and to the nation in general. This latter also strengthens the case for governments and private businesses to provide substantial public/ private funding of university education to fulfill broader societal objectives: poverty reduction, self-confidence, self-actuation, stronger family units, improved health, greater national savings and lower criminal activity.”

This year’s intake as of 15th August, 2017, UB had registered 4,668 new and returning students.

1,158 new students, 630 of whom are females matriculated on Wednesday. UB has registered 367 new students in Belize City out of a total of 1,618 students; in Belmopan 665 new students out of 2,623; in Punta Gorda 109 new students out of 378; and at Central Farm 17 new out of 46 in total.

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University of Belize INSIGHTS

FST shares Fun Science Expo

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he Faculty of Science and Technology (FST) of the University of Belize (UB) held the 4th Annual FST Science Open Day on November 22, 2017 at the UB Central Campus. The expo involved participation of the FST’s Agricultural Department; Engineering Department; Science Department and the Math, Physics & Information Technology Department. The purpose of the event was to highlight the programs of UB, the work of UB students and to get people interested in science from an early age. Students from primary, secondary and tertiary institutions were invited to attend the science fair. Stakeholders and partners from Government and the Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO’s) also brought out their staff

to participate in the event. Students were able to see firsthand the technology and work available in this field.

The theme for 2017 “Innovate, Experiment and Invest” was prominent as the 20 stakeholders that joined the student booths did not disappoint. The Engineering students showcased architectural models built from “macaroni sticks” during a recent competition in Quintana Roo, Mexico.

Building, construction, floor plans and house models developed by students were also on display while others concentrated on the electrical work learned in the classroom. Who knew making wine and ice cream could be a part of a Science Expo?

Students Honor Earth Day

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B held its 10th Annual Earth Day Fair through the Natural Resource Management Program on April 28th, 2017 under the theme “My Community, My Climate”. The primary goal of this year’s event is to highlight the meaning of climate change and climate literacy by engaging primary, secondary and tertiary level students in environmental education programs.

The Guest speaker Mr. Tony Rath was accompanied

by Miss Belize Universe, Rebecca Rath. There were booths from Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO’s), Government Agencies, Private Businesses and UB students in the NRM Department.

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April-December

UB Receives Innovators Award from Caribbean Association of Pharmacists

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he Innovators award was presented to the University of Belize from the Caribbean Association of Pharmacists (CAP) during the 37th annual convention that was held in Belize from 6th to 13th of August, 2017. The award was the culmination of the work that went into the implementation of the Bachelors in Pharmacy Program in Belize. The convention included pharmacists from Canada, USA, Europe and across the Caribbean. The prizes included a trophy, a plaque and an electronic subscription to a pharmaceutical compendium.

The convention was hosted by the Pharmacists Association of Belize (PAB) and it included a week of education, exchange of ideas and fellowship.

Senior Pharmacy lecturer at UB, Lydia Thurton said, “Attending the conference for me was very inspiring. The award helps the work we have done in planning, proposing, all the work that went into developing the Bachelors in Pharmacy as a program, and to have it become a reality. So this award really does wonders in motivating us with the work we have ahead of us.”

At the conference both Lydia Thurton and Yusuf Abubakar made academic presentations.

Abubakar, a lecturer since the inception of UB and part of the team that has worked on the transition of Pharmacy to a Bachelors Program simply stated “What we are seeing is, pharmacy is moving forward in Belize.”

Two of the pharmacy students, Emily Manzur and Daemon Acevedo received scholarships from CAP to attend the conference based on their academic performance.

RLC Holds Seminar on Language

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he Regional Language Center (RLC) was pleased to announce its “RLC Seminar Series”, which are an academic space to share current information on research carried out by students, lecturers and researchers on various relevant topics.

On Friday April 21, 2017, Mr. Jhon E. Flórez O., RLC Director, facilitated the workshop “Bilingualism and Language Policy & Planning: Perspectives at the University of Belize” that was held from 9:00 to 12:00 at the RLC Lab. 11 persons attended this training session (3 FEA lecturers, 1 RLC student, 5 UB students, 1 translator and 1 primary school teacher).

On Saturday April 22, 2017 Mr. Jhon E. Flórez O. facilitated the workshop “Sociolinguistic and

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Pragmatic Aspects that are Relevant in Language Teaching and Translation” that was held from 9:00 to 12:00 at the RLC Lab. 9 persons attended this workshop training session (1 FEA lecturers, 1 RLC student, 3 UB students, 2 translators, 1 primary school teacher and 1 high school teacher).

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University of Belize INSIGHTS

Learning Psychology can be Fun

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he Education students in Belmopan once again organized an informative and entertaining Community Outreach Symposium in April 2017. They had creative displays and the entire group participated in teaching visitors succinctly relaying the relevant information. The students engaged with students from Our Lady of Guadalupe R.C. School and Belmopan Methodist School and presented the different topics in a way these young learners could understand. The topics included Bullying, Peer Influence, Professional career options, The Ideal Self, Vocational careers, Hearing Impairment, Erickson’s Theory, Bandura’s Theory, Behavioral Disorders, Rogers Theory, Piaget’s Theory, ADHD, Kohlberg’s Theory, and Physical Abuse. Dr. Thomasine Baker, then Assistant Professor, lead the students in another successful symposium The Psychology of Learning students lead by Dr. Douglas Morrison also held an exhibition at the UB Bookstore.

Childhood Stimulation Centre 8th Moving On Ceremony

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April-December

9th Annual Macaroni Competition: Building Bridges

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he Engineering Department, a part of the Faculty of Science and Technology, held its 9th annual Macaroni Competition on October 26 & 27, 2017. The objective of the competition is to challenge student teams to design framed structures given limitations in time, size and type of materials (macaroni, glue, drinking straws, and plastic bottles) and built to specifications.

These models were rated according to efficiency in loading and best design. On the first day of the competition, eleven student teams built their models and on the following day the Macaroni Models were tested where the winning team was declared. The first place team comprised, Samuel Osegueda, Marlon Jones, Rachel Ramos, Jason Barrientos and Gerson Cerritos.

This year the top three teams represented UB in Chetumal, Mexico at the “XIX Concurso De Diseño Y Construccion De Modelos Estructurales, VI Su Fase Internacional”. It was hosted by the Instituto Tecnologico De Chetumal (ITCH) in Quintana Roo, Mexico from 15th-17th November, 2017. As the defending champions of the 2016 competition in Chetumal, UB was the team to keep an eye on.

On the first day of the competition in Chetumal, the three student teams from the University of Belize built models of a water reservoir and on the following day their models were tested to determine the load which they were able to withstand.

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This year’s Competition was an interesting one because for the first time it was done in two rounds.

Of the 35 teams competing, only nine teams were able to make it through to the second round. Three of these nine teams were from the University of Belize. After a nail biting second round UB came out with 4th, 7th and 8th place finishes overall.

Kudos to the three teams.

The Engineering Department would like to thank the University of Belize, the Office of the President, Dean of Student Affairs, Dean, Faculty of Science & Technology, the Belize City Student Government, Engineering Department Competition Coordinator Mr. Lloyd Carrillo, faculty, staff and students of the Engineering Department, Gold sponsor, Atlantic Bank Limited as well as Maria Chang & Sons Limited for lending support to this initiative.

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University of Belize INSIGHTS

Applying Mathematics for Life

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he second annual Math Symposium entitled "Mathematics for Life" was held at the Jaguar Auditorium on April 27th, 2017. The objectives of the Symposium were to: (a) Emphasize the fact that Mathematics is applicable to so many facets of our lives. (b) Highlight current Mathematical research being done in Belize and elsewhere. (c) Inspire faculty, students and the general community to engage in Mathematics-related research/careers.

The Math Department would like to thank the presenters who shared information on the following topics.

Mr. Hernando Pérez Montás on “Actuarial Annuities and Liabilities” Mr. Jefte Ochaeta on “Post Survey Data Treatment” Dr. Aaron Lewis on “Incorporating Technology into the Teaching of Mathematics Mr. Sean Sebastian on “The Impact that Adjusting SSB’s Wage Bands will have on Contribution and Benefit Payments” Mr. Steven Lewis said, “I would also like to take the opportunity to thank President Professor Clement Sankat, for his opening remarks as well as Dean of FST, Ms. Julianne Pasos for giving the vote of thanks. I must also thank our Chair, Dr. Sherlene Savery and secretary, Ms. Dian Rodriguez for all the behind the scenes support and encouragement.

Special thanks to the ICT, Marketing and Communications and Physical Plant departments for their assistance on the physical and technical

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Mr. Hernando Pérez Montás presented on Actuarial Annuities and Liabilities

Dr. Aaron Lewis

side. Thanks to all faculty, staff and visitors who attended the Symposium. Without an audience, we could not have a Symposium. Specially thanks the Math Club executive members who all made the Math Symposium the success that it was and to all the Math majors who assisted with distributing snacks or who assisted in some way, shape or form to make the Math Symposium successful.

April-December

FMSS Marketing and Small Business Expo

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he Faculty of Management & Social Sciences (FMSS) of the University of Belize (UB) held three Marketing Expos to highlight student achievements and to reach the business, government, and other interested entrepreneurial stakeholders in Belize City, Toledo and the Capital, Belmopan.

The tenth annual Marketing Expo for the Belize City campus was held at the Princess Hotel on November 22nd. There were 35 booths; 21 from the “Principles of Marketing” and 14 from the “Small Business Management” classes. The guest Speaker was Mrs. Karen Lewis, the Director Retail & Small Business Banking at Scotia Bank.

Eda Arzu, a lecturer of FMSS and the principal organizer said, “Every year we ensure the students investigate potential of the Belize market l to ensure products and services are not repeated and to make proper market assessments in the areas of environmental sustainability, market demands and economic growth and development. I am pleased to share some of the products that certainly stood out at this year’s expo: Backyaardigans Furnitures utilized recycle tires; Wood Brite Wood polish; Antique Lights used recycled bottles and antique art pieces used to create chandeliers. Elite Lights recycled bottles to create chandeliers. Sweet Temptation Cupcakery provided efficient service for cupcake delivery by automating the service. Other groups that made an impact were Tropical skincare repellant, a 2 in 1 Skincare an insect repellant. Tropical Walk, customized slippers with the use of recycled products. Vino Tropical provided local wines (local cerosy and sour sop) as well as Vodka Especial a strawberry vodka. Sensation in a Jar (cake in a jar) Kasha Kum Up (Cashew marinate and bar-b-que sauces) were other notable groups.”

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Mrs. Karen Lewis

Prior to the Belize City event, the UB Punta Gorda campus held its business expo on November 17th at the district’s Central Park. Coordinated by Ms Cecilia Martinez, full-time lecturer for Small Business and Ms. Shauna Sanchez - Marketing Lecturer. They were also assisted by Academic Chair, Mr Tim Dami; Mr Glen Enriquez and Ms Gillian Flowers. Sixty students from the “Marketing” and “Small Business” courses took part in the expo which successfully demonstrated the theme “Embracing opportunities for growth through creativity, networking and perseverance.” The keynote address was delivered by Campus Administrator Roy Polonio who commended and encouraged the students for the excellent booths and presentations.

While engaging the Punta Gorda community, the students distributed promotional items, including raffles and gifts as part of the marketing strategy. This spirit of entrepreneurship continued to the Central Campus in Belmopan.

On the 23rd of November, businesses and students from the Capital City came to the Central Campus in Belmopan for another Marketing Expo which was designed to reach stakeholders and residents of the

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University of Belize INSIGHTS

The Importance of Entrepreneurship

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n celebration of Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW), University of Belize (UB), Belmopan campus, in collaboration with stakeholders held two annual events: Entrepreneurship Symposium on November 15 and Marketing Expos in Belmopan, Belize City and Toledo.

Belize is one of the 162 members of the GEW Network and each year, during the 3rd week of November, joins the rest of the world in celebrating Global Entrepreneurship Week - a week when member countries organize several activities to inspire individuals to explore their potential to become entrepreneurs. The National University of Belize, and its stakeholders, therefore, see it fit to join in such endeavor to promote young entrepreneurs.

The focus of the events is to bring together key players in the entrepreneurial ecosystem, to share ideas and create the awareness of existing and new business and investment opportunities, promoting innovation and building an entrepreneurship culture.

This year, the theme of the symposium was: “No one must be left behind: Creating livelihoods for all through entrepreneurship.” The symposium included various presentations by young student entrepreneurs, who presented a synopsis of their projects and success stories and challenges faced by established entrepreneurs already in the business sector. Students of the University of Belize and distinguished members of the business

Mr. Emil Pinelo was the Keynote speaker

community attended the symposium.

The Keynote Address was delivered by Mr. Emil Pinelo, Owner and Manager of Financial Consultant & Accountant, Emil C. Pinelo & Associates.

FMSS Marketing and Small Business Expo western region of the country. There were 37 booths on display. 11 stalls represented Marketing students at the Associate’s Degree level and 12 represented Small Business Management at the Bachelor’s Degree level. There was also participation from the UB Central Farm Campus; Our Lady of Guadalupe High and ten business institutions. The purpose of inviting a local high school’s participation was to introduce the students to entrepreneurship at the earliest age, provide visual stimulation to the business world and to become students of UB. The UB Small Business students were evaluated for creativity, promotion, distribution, customer information, banner, packaging, mission statement, student energy, customer service, professional attire, and communication skills.

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The Central Campus expo was coordinated by Audrey Pascascio (MBA), a Management Lecturer.

The University of Belize is grateful to all companies who gave donations towards prizes for these events.

Professor Clement Sankat, President of UB, praised the students and their academic supervisors for creativity displayed at these events. He said that this augers well for the future of young students to start their own businesses when they graduate. He indicated that UB and the country of Belize need to find the “ways and means” to support them in the journey ahead.

April-December

RESEARCH

FMSS Holds Seventh Research Conference

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he Faculty of Management and Social Sciences (FMSS) held its seventh Annual Research Conference on Friday, April 28, 2017 at the Ramada Princess Hotel and Casino in Belize City. The theme for this year’s conference was “Building Competitiveness in Belize in a Global World - The Role of the University of Belize.”

This signature event prioritizes research done

by UB students and faculty from three locations; namely, Belize City, Belmopan and Punta Gorda.

In the spirit of inclusiveness, students from other faculties as well as lecturers were invited to be participants. This seventh research conference, similar to the others, highlights practical and policy oriented research on a broad range of issues and topics of national, regional and global importance conducted by UB students and faculty over the past year.

The Keynote presenter was President, Professor Emeritus Clement Sankat. Research presentations focused on the following areas: · Challenges of female entrepreneurs · Service quality delivered at the University of

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Belize; · The life of the government’s pension fund; · Oil at the Belize Natural Energy; and · Information systems in Belize.

Dr. Phillip Castillo won the Researcher Award and presented the findings and analysis on his research entitled “Pensions, when the well runs dry.”

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University of Belize INSIGHTS

FST Faculty and Student Publish Research in International Journal

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B student Lilian Blanco and Dr. Thippi Thiagarajan, Assistant Professor, both from the Faculty of Science and Technology recently published their research titled “Ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants used by the Yucatec Maya in the Northern District of Belize” in the International Journal of Herbal Medicine. The research documented the herbal knowledge of Yucatec Mayan families in communities in Northern Belize.

A total of 59 plant species used in traditional medicinal practices were identified and studied during 12 weeks of field work.

Ferns Used by the Mayas

Lygodium japonicum

President Clement Sankat envisions UB as the creator and disseminator of knowledge through our research and publication on matters of Belize.

He states that this shows what is possible through excellent supervision of our undergraduate students. He said, “Think what we can do if we continue this and even move to the graduate level, we would have given Belizean students interested in research and UB, an opportunity to move up the ladder.”

The publication by Dr. Thippi and his student Lilian from her undergraduate thesis is an excellent example of what is possible. Congrats to both of them for showing us that UB can do it!

Abstract: The knowledge of plants used in traditional medicine by the indigenous communities is fast disappearing due to various reasons. This study made an effort to document the herbal knowledge that exists in the family circles of the Yucatec Maya communities of Northern Belize. Research was carried out in four villages in the Corozal and Orange Walk Districts during 12 weeks of fieldwork. A total of 59 plant species, grouped within 57 genera and 35 families that are used in traditional medical practices were identified and studied. Plants belonging to Rutaceae, Lamiaceae and Euphorbiaceae were the most commonly used species. The growth

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Selaginella umbrosa

Lygodium palmatum

Polypodium vulgare

habits of plants reported include herbs (37%), trees (25%), shrubs (15%), trees/shrubs (plants having characteristics of both trees and shrubs) (14%), and vines (9%). The most common plant part used was leaves (66%), followed by bark, whole plant and flower (each with 7%). Of the total number of medicinal plants, 20 species were used to treat infections, 16 for digestive system disorders, 9 for skin/subcutaneous cellular tissue disorders, 7 for respiratory system disorders, 6 for endocrine system disorders, 6 for culture-bound syndromes, 5 for genitourinary system disorders, 4 for musculoskeletal system disorders, 4 for circulatory system disorders, 2 for injuries and 1 for sensory system disorders. Species cited more frequently by the most herbalists are regarded to be of greater ethnobotanical importance than those cited only by a few herbalists.

The article can be found online at http://www. florajournal.com/archives/?year=2017&vol=5&iss ue=4&part=A&ArticleId=407 .

April-December

FEA: Setting Research Trends

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he Faculty of Education and Arts held its Second Annual symposium entitled “Setting Trends: creating new possibilities” on April 4th, 2017. The Symposium provided opportunities to share scholarly work promoting a culture of research and discourse in education. Nine students presented their thesis which illustrated evidence that not only can our students clearly articulate ideas but can use inferential statistics to represent findings. Published work by three of the Faculty of Education and Arts Assistant Professors, provided insights on key historical issues and factors impacting the teaching of language in Belize.

A truncated version of the Abstracts by Assistant Professors are as follows: “Mercantile Capitalism and Rural Folk in Mid Nineteenth-Century Belize: Peasants, Rancheros and Rural Entrepreneurs in Commercial Agriculture” Dr. Angel Cal This work analyses the trajectory of mercantile capitalism in Belize in the second half of the XIX century. It focuses on the rural population and its relations with commercial agriculture and wood extraction. In addition to forestry products, mercantile firms invested in the production of sugar, rum and banana for export. These firms saw the Maya, Kriol, Garifuna, Yucatec and other peasants as a cheap source of labour and producers of cheap food crops that subsidized

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the colonial economy. Though the “forestocracy” blocked the peasantry from becoming land owners, the majority negotiated its access to land: they rented, squatted or made arrangements with landowners. In their spare time, peasants worked in the forestry industry and in the sugarcane or banana “plantations” for cash to participate in the colonial economy. In a few cases, peasants became small rural entrepreneurs by accessing land and credit from the mercantile companies.

The government’s intervention succeeded in attracting Kriol peasants to banana cultivation in the south. The decline of sugarcane, banana and logwood prices in the international market shattered the prospect of the development of a class of small commercial crop producers. By the early XX century, most peasants had returned to subsistence farming.

“Belize as a natural laboratory for linguistic science: contributions and rewards” Dr. Nicte Fuller Medina The current study employs the methodologies of quantitative sociolinguistics to analyze the spontaneous discourse of speakers who regularly use Spanish, English, and Kriol at the same and in the same utterance. We determine what linguistic strategies they employ to resolve any conflicts that arise from the simultaneous use of multiple languages. We show that such discourse is systematic rather than random and that speakers primarily ...Continued on page 19

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University of Belize INSIGHTS

FEA: Setting Research Trends employ codeswitching (alternation between multiword fragments from different languages) and borrowing (integration of non-native words into Spanish) in mixed speech. Furthermore, we show that these linguistic strategies evidence high levels of competency in the Spanish grammatical system rather than demonstrating a lack of competence.

This has benefits and direct relevance for policy and language pedagogy in Belize underscoring the importance of recognizing Belizean Spanishspeakers as competent speakers. These data along with analyses of the syntax of mixed discourse, in turn, make important contributions to various subfields of linguistics and data on verbal borrowing specifically aids in our understanding how verbs are built and how bilinguals potentially make use of linguistic universals.

“Callaloo Cosmopolitanism: A Postcolonial Ecology of the Amaranth” Dr. Christopher De Shield Cosmopolitanism is a term that has acquired renewed significance in the wake of catastrophic climate change and visions of eco-apocalypse presented in literature, both fiction and nonfiction. Recent attempts have been made to theorise a new cosmopolitanism, one that urges people to look beyond narrow national allegiances to shared planetary concerns. The problem is that such discourses are often too easily co-opted by

predatory cosmopolitanisms ultimately serving neoliberalist agendas or other imperialistic ideologies of globalization. When centered on the North Atlantic, models of cosmopolitanism appear suspiciously neo-imperial. The corrective, some argue, is to look to the Global South—to postcolonial and “third world” regions—thereby formulating a “cosmopolitanism from below” in order to recuperate the term.

Unearthing a postcolonial ecology of the amaranth—a genus mostly composed of edible weeds whose significance to national cultures runs concomitant with its cosmopolitan dispersion— might contribute to the project of recuperating cosmopolitanism in a novel way. It reveals a solidarity centered on the Global South articulated through comparativism at the micro level. Based on a methodological approach I developed while studying for PhD, and research published in Cosmopolitan Asia: Littoral Epistemologies of the Global South (Routledge, 2016), this presentation is interdisciplinary in nature; it attempts to directly address and clarify present-day, real-world, sociopolitical phenomena using literary and critical theory.

UB Lecturers presents at Monetary Studies Conference

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r. Somanadevi Thiagarajan and Mr. Romaldo Lewis, two Lecturers from the Faculty of Management and Social Sciences presented their research at the 49th Annual Monetary Studies Conference entitled “Repositioning Small States for New Global Realities” which was held from November 8 -10th, 2017 in Belize City.

visit http:// www.ccmf-uwi. org/conference_ paper

Mr. Romaldo Lewis made a presentation on “Analysis and Forecasting of Climate Variability during 1973 to 2016 and the Consequences to the Future of Agriculture in Belize”.

Dr. Somanadevi Thiagarajan made her presentation on “An Analysis of Performance of Commercial Banks in Belize During Post Global Recession Period”.

For more in-depth information on the research

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April-December

Promoting Biology and Chemistry Through Research

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Dean of FST Ms. Juliane Pasos along with presenters at the Symposium

he Faculty of Science and Technology held its fourth annual Biology Chemistry Symposium and Poster competition under the theme: “Promoting Science Education Through Research”. The symposium was held on May 17th and 18th, 2017 at the Jaguar Auditorium.

The keynote speaker for the event was Professor Emeritus Clement Sankat and emphasized the importance of research, “So there is much to be done to build a thriving research, development, innovative and creative capacity at UB and in fact ,Belize. What would greatly support this would be policy setting by the Government of Belize that shapes a National Innovation System (NIS) for Belize and in which the University of Belize, with its capability and its further development in Science, Engineering, Agriculture, Health, the Environment, Business and Entrepreneurship, and the Creative/Cultural Arts can be brought to bear. This must be part of our immediate Vision.”

The Awards for Best Research Poster was won by Brien Williams, Aspiro Urbina placed second and Alexandra Fabro third place.

The winners of the Best Research Posters competition were also recognized

Brien (top left) won first place for Best Research Post

2017

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University of Belize INSIGHTS

BUILDING PARTNERSHIPS

UB and Belmopan City Council Strengthen Partnership for National Development

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is Worship Khalid Belisle, Mayor of Belmopan, made a courtesy call on the new President of the University of Belize, Professor Clement Sankat on Wednesday, 5th April 2017 at the University’s Main Campus in Belmopan. This was a familiarization meeting allowing the two leaders to discuss how best the Belmopan City Council and the University can work collaboratively together in such a way to simultaneously contribute to the Development of the Municipality, the University and the nation of Belize as a whole.

In a show of good will, Mayor Belisle has committed to assisting the University to upgrade a portion of road way and adjacent parking lot on the university grounds and Professor Sankat has committed to assist the Belmopan City with access to research/academic data suitable for special projects the Mayor may want to pursue.

One of these projects will be the Mount Pleasant Creek Development including an Ecological Assessment and recommendations for upgrading and recreational use.

The two leaders further discussed ways in which the City and the University have already been working collaboratively with UB’s participation in the drafting of the Belmopan Municipal Development Master Plan and the possibilities

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for the Belmopan campus to be further enhanced with student residences, etc.

Mayor Belisle and Professor Sankat agreed that a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) will be developed that will outline the areas of collaboration with tangible benefits to both the City of Belmopan and Belize’s National University with a commitment to National Development.

Mr. Harrison Pilgrim, Chairman of the UB Board of Trustees, was unavoidably absent from today’s meeting but commented that this collaborative dialogue and resulting partnerships signals the University’s heightened commitment to work with community stakeholders.

April-December

“Institutional Assessment for the Enhancement of Operations of UB” Stakeholder Workshop

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he University of Belize (UB) invited key partners and stakeholders of the University to join them at Stakeholder Workshops for its project “Institutional Assessment for the Enhancement of Operations of the University of Belize”. These were held on 27 April, 2017 at George Price Centre in Belmopan and 28 April, 2017 at Best Western Plus Belize Biltmore Plaza in Belize City.

The very successful event brought stakeholders and partners from four main groups; 1. Government - as key funders investing in nation building and economic sustainability; 2. Students - as users for the development of personal and professional growth; 3. Private sector - as business partners and who hire UB graduates; 4. Members of the community - as taxpayers and advocates for the optimized role of UB. The institutional assessment covered five major themes. (a) Academic Quality Assurance, (b) People and Organization, (c) Financial Management, (d) Information and Records management and (e) Facilities.

Within the context of these themes, participants were asked to give their input on UB’s role as a national university; expectations of UB; perceived challenges and opportunities; possibilities to improve gender parity; and what they want to see as the future state for UB in terms of elements of national skills needs, nation building, relevant courses and programmes in support of economic development, amongst others.

The response and support to UB was very positive.

UB welcomed the contributions of its stakeholders and indeed many of the input were very much in line of the university’s proposed path forward.

Government of Belize’s Education Strategy includes University of Belize as a key contributor to the country’s national development. As Belize’s national university, UB is well poised to deliver on its mandate “to provide relevant, affordable and accessible educational and training programs that address national needs based on principles of academic freedom, equity, transparency, merit

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Ms. Noreen Fairweather, Cassandra Ramkerrysingh and Professor Emeritus Clement Sankat

Stakeholders workshop in Belmopan

Other stakeholders also met in Belize City

and accountability” and help develop productive and engaged citizens.

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University of Belize INSIGHTS

UB and Korea establishing ties for a Modern School of Engineering

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rofessor Emeritus Clement Sankat, President of the University of Belize met with Ambassador Lee In-ho of the Republic of Korea and his Team: Ms Sanghee Hong, Consul and Mr Yi Jongsu, Country Director along with The President and Vice President of the Belize Association of Professional Engineers, Mr. Victor Miranda and Mr. Carlton Young respectively, to discuss a Proposal for the establishment of a Modern School of Engineering at the University of Belize, Belmopan Campus.

University of Belize working together in partnership with the community to build a better University.

UB Lecturer Ms. Ivory Kelly presents at the Regional Writers’ Conference in Benque

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n May 6, 2017, Ms. Ivory Kelly, lecturer in the Faculty of Education and Arts, read from one of her recently published short stories at the Regional Writers’ Conference in Benque Viejo Town.

Ms. Kelly is the second and third place winner of the Belize Literary Prize 2016-17, in the poetry and fiction categories respectively. She is the author of Point of Order: Poetry and Prose and is currently seeking publication for her second book, a collection of short stories. Over the past four years she has participated in several other international events including the Commonwealth Writers Conversation at the Aye Write! Book Fair in Glasgow, Scotland; the Foro de Estudios en Lenguas Internacional in Chetumal, Mexico; the BBC Radio Poetry Postcards Project; and the Commonwealth Writers 10x10 Podcast Series.

Kelly’s short stories have been published in journals and anthologies in the Caribbean, the United States, the UK, and Brazil. These include The Caribbean Writer (2016), Interviewing the

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Caribbean (2016), Revista Literária em Traducáo (2016), Baffu (2016), Pepperpot: Best New Stories from the Caribbean (2014), Caribbean Quarterly (2013), and several Belizean anthologies.

The Regional Writers’ Conference was part of the annual International Festival of Culture held in Benque Viejo Town from May 5th to 7th.

April-December

University of North Georgia Students learns about Belize

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n May 18, 2017 UB lecturer Joseph Sampson and student Aitiana Smith gave a lecture on Belizean History and Culture to a group of students from the University of North Georgia, led by Professor Harrison Davis Jr. Aitiana led the discussion which examined the main political, cultural and social developments in Belize from 2000 BC to the present. There was also a lively discussion on race and ethnic issues which is currently dominating the media in several countries including Belize. Aitiana graduated in June 2017 with a Bachelor’s Degree in History and

has already been accepted at the University of Tel Aviv in Israel to read for her Master’s Degree in Global Migration and Policy.

Aitiana

UB Student Participates in International Museum Day

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he Museum of Belize celebrated International Museum Day on May 18 with an open panel discussion centered on the question, ‘Should Belize resume the death penalty?’ Charlee Hutchinson, a history student at UB, was asked to deliver a presentation on the History of the Death Penalty in Belize. She discussed the origins of executions in British Honduras, the earliest accounts of a penal code, the types of crimes that warranted executions, the procedure of executions, and also included the history of Her Majesty’s Prison as well as the executions that occurred within its walls.

Charlee graduated with a Bachelor in History on June 2017

UB-UQROO Exchange 2017

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he Regional Language Center hosted the Closing Ceremony for the UB-UQROO Summer Language Exchange Program 2017 which was held at the Regional Language Center on Thursday July 6, 2017.

The objective of the exchange program is for UB students to learn Spanish while immersing in the Mexican culture and the Mexican students also come to Belize to learn our language and cultures.

The Mexican students enjoyed the Belizean environment for a month

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University of Belize INSIGHTS

5 Students benefit from PACTUB Scholarship Program 2017

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Monica, Tara, Deadra Maria, and Luwin pose with Professor Emeritus Clement Sankat

ive students received scholarships valued at $50,000 to pursue bachelor’s degrees as a result of a partnership between the Protected Areas Conservation Trust (PACT) and the University of Belize (UB). On Wednesday, September 27, 2017, the PACT-UB SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMME Ceremony took place in the Administration Conference Room at the UB Belmopan Campus.

The five students awarded are from the Faculty of Science and Technology and Faculty of Nursing, Allied Health and Social Work. Monica Coe is pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Natural Resource Management; Luwin Tzib, a Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics; Maria Pech, a Bachelor’s Degree in Natural Resource Management; Daedra Bennett, a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work and Tara Scarborough, a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology.

In a room filled with scholarship awardees, their parents , UB and PACT representatives, the recipients shared their thoughts about being awarded. Ms. Tara Scarborough said she felt privileged to be there amongst students who have made both their parents and UB proud. “Today, we have gathered here not just to celebrate the achievements of our students, but also to give due regard to our values and morals which all awardees exemplify, like compassion, a love for the environment and zeal for learning…The collaboration between PACT and UB is what has brought us here today. Furthermore, this

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collaboration embodies UB’s motto “Let’s Build UB together.” And like my fellow recipients, I am proud to be one of the few chosen recipients of such an esteemed scholarship and I am proud to be a model for PACT and UB and everything they stand for.”

The scholarships had been granted based on academic excellence, financial need and other donor specifications. The fund is administered through the UB Office of Student Affairs which indicated that UB is giving the recipients an additional $400 book grants, redeemable at the University’s bookstore. The agreement was signed by Professor Emeritus Clement Sankat, Ph.D, President of the University of Belize and by Percival Cho, Ph.D, Board Chairperson of PACT for the period ending on August 31st, 2019.

UB President Sankat pledges to, “Ensure that this partnership between PACT and UB advances the developmental goals of Belize through the training of high level human resources, committed to the sustainable development of Belize.”

The Acting Executive Director of PACT, Nayari Diaz-Perez spoke of PACT’s long-standing support to UB in the area of Natural Resource Management, one that was applauded by all present.

April-December

Taiwanese Students Volunteer in Belize including at UB

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n Saturday, August 19, UB President Professor Clement Sankat welcomed students from National Tsing Hua University (ROC) Taiwan at a ceremony in Belize City. Professor Sankat showered praise on the students who left their country to come and give service to Belizeans. He added that their example of volunteerism is something we can all learn from. He also commended the Ambassador H.E. Charles K. Y. Liu and the Belize ​​ Taiwan Chamber of Commerce and its Chairman Dr. Fred Shyu for supporting this effort.

The group has volunteered in Belize every summer since 2011. They provide computer courses, research, culture courses, scholarships, and conduct community service with Belizean Primary and Secondary School students in the Cayo district and have included the Toledo district. They focus on the rural schools but also do services in towns.

This year they partnered with the University of Belize Information Technology Stimulation (UBITs) Program. The delegation also spent time at the UB Punta Gorda Campus.

Faculty, staff and students met the student volunteers at a presentation held on August 28 in the Jaguar Building. The students showcased their service work conducted in Belize and the details of what is necessary for preparation of such service.

UB and US Embassy expanding Opportunities

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rofessor Emeritus Clement Sankat along with Vice President, Dr. Mariot Simon met with Ms. Natella Svistunova and Ms. Mirsy Ponce from the Public Affairs Department of the US Embassy in Belize. During the meeting the officials from the US Embassy emphasized that applications for Fulbright Scholarships should be pursued. They also advised that there are opportunities for UB students to do their internship at the US Embassy. Other areas that they will give consideration into developing much more are Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative (YLAI) and Belize Screen on the Green.

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(L-R) President Sankat, Natella Svistunova, Mirsy Ponce and Dr. Mariot Simon

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University of Belize INSIGHTS

Joyful Two: UWI Arts Chorale & Steel Concerts

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n Tuesday July 25th, 2017 the Belmopan Campus community of the University of Belize as well as the community of the City of Belmopan were treated to unique and exceptional performances by the visiting University of West Indies (UWI) ensemble (the UWI Arts Chorale and the UWI Arts Steel). The event started at 6 p.m. and the packed Jaguar Auditorium was thrilled with the music of these visiting students of the UWI St. Augustine Campus in Trinidad and the exceptional leadership displayed by its conductor Jessel Murray, an academician, musician/ conductor and the Head of the Department of Creative and Festival of Arts at UWI. The audience was treated to a wide and rich array of music that circled the globe. The first session began with more classical and European music, sung by the chorale and some played on steel pans. The performances were unique because of the fusion of steel with chorale. This is not normally experienced either in the Caribbean or the world. Mr. Murray and his troupe were singly commended for the creativity and innovation displayed. The night began with Belizean features as the Panerrifix Steelband of Belmopan played the National Anthem and other pieces and later the Belmopan Chorale Society joined the Chorale and sang “Freedom is Coming” and “Didn’t my Lord Deliver Daniel.”

it including the children who knew the Puerto Rican song “Despacito.” The audience including Governor General of Belize, Sir Colville Young and Lady Young, was also treated to folk music of Trinidad, “Come let We Go” and “Mangoes.”

More of “Calypso music” by the ever popular David Rudder drowned the auditorium. Then the concert closed with Broadway music featuring London’s Andrew Lloyd Webber and ended on a high with “Jesus Christ Superstar”.

Professor Emeritus, Clement Sankat believed it was a wonderful and special treat for the campus and Belmopan community. In his address to the audience he said, “My hope as President of the University of Belize, building the link between “town and gown” will be steady.” Further he noted, “I do believe that the campus must engage the community as the community must engage the campus and there is no better way of doing this than in the areas of the arts, music, culture, sports and public addresses. One day I hope we will have a program focusing on the arts and culture at UB.

The second half of the program was dedicated to more popular music and the audience was treated to Trinidad sounds: Soca and Calypso and the very popular music by Lord Kitchener, Pan in Harmony.

Latin music brought the crowd in joyful unison at the Belmopan auditorium. Everyone loved Director Jessel Murray

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April-December

Stronger Partnerships: Embassy of Cuba

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rofessor Emeritus Clement Sankat continues in the plan to transform UB and build strong partnerships with stakeholders. He met with the Ambassador of Cuba H.E. Lissette Perez Perez to discuss building partnerships between UB and Cuban Universities to support training in areas like Medicine, Agriculture, Latin American and Caribbean History, Language etc. They also discussed bringing Cuban Scholars to Belize, beginning with an invited Lecture on Jose Marti and his association with Belize and later the Tribute to Fidel Castro as a part of Presidential Lecture Series.

H.E. Lissett Perez Perez with President Sankat

Partnering to Develop a Masters in Education UB President, Professor Sankat; Vice President, Dr. Mariot Simon; Dean of the Faculty of Education and Arts, Dr. Nestor Chan; and lecturer Dr. Priscilla Brown-Lopez met with Dr. John Lesperance, Educational Specialist, from the Commonwealth of Learning (COL) based in Vancouver, Canada on September 4, 2017. The meeting centered around the plan for developing a Master degree in Education programme in collaboration with COL.

(L-R) Dr. Nestor Chan, Professor Sankat, Dr. John Lesperance, Dr. Priscilla Brown-Lopez and Dr. Mariot Simon

Germany: Academic Exchanges

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B President accompanied by Mr. Ewart Robateau, Special Assistant, InterInstitutional Collaboration, International Programmes, met with Mr. Michael Eschweiler, Central American Director of Deutscher Akademischer Austausch Dienst (DAAD - German Service of Academic Exchange in English). Mr. Eschweiler shared the possibilities of German Scholarships for UB students and staff. There is also support for human development capacity building of UB. Faculty and staff will be informed of the Calls for Proposals when they are sent by DAAD.

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(L-R) Professor Emeritus Clement Sankat, Mr. Michael Eschweiler and Mr. Ewart Robateau

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University of Belize INSIGHTS

UB and WWF First Ever Watershed Management Plan for Belize

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he University of Belize through the Natural Resource Management Program from the Faculty of Science and Technology and the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), will develop a Management Plan for the Belize River Watershed (BRW). The plan will be the first of its kind in Belize and serves as a model for much needed future watershed management.

The project will take a multidisciplinary approach in collecting and consolidating data pertaining to the Belize River Watershed. Through scientific research, stakeholder consultations and community engagement, a sustainable management plan will be produced by identifying long-term monitoring programs and bolstering policies for the protection of Belize’s freshwater resources. This project will also support data collection and finance three (3) student research fellowships along with the purchase of areal monitoring device and laboratory equipment.

The University President Professor Clement Sankat was joined by Mr. Mauricio Mejia, WWF Representative to sign the formal agreement that supports this project, at the University of Belize.

Faculty Dean Juliane Pasos, and the Technical Team of the project: Dr. Abel Carrias, Dr. Pio Saqui, Mr. Josue Ake, and Mr. Antonio Cano were also present.

The University of Belize embraces the opportunity to develop this management plan as it epitomizes its mandate as a catalyst for change through quality education, research and service. According to UB’s President Professor Clement Sankat, “Belize is a country that is committed to the preservation of its pristine natural environment, both terrestrial and marine, and to the sustainable development of its society. The availability of water, both its quantity and its quality, is essential for all forms of life and this project will provide the kind of data on the Belize river, its catchment areas and the communities it serves for developmental planning- physical, economic, sociological and ecological. The staff and students of the FST must be commended for initiating this applied research work and the WWF for providing needed funding”.

On December 19, 2017 at the Faculty of Management

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Professor Clement Sankat was joined by Mr. Mauricio Mejia, WWF Representative to sign the formal agreement that supports this project, at the University of Belize. Faculty Dean Juliane Pasos, and the Technical Team of the project: Dr. Abel Carrias, Dr. Pio Saqui, Mr. Josue Ake, and Mr. Antonio Cano

and Social Sciences (FMSS) Campus, in Belize City the President of UB, Professor Emeritus Clement Sankat was present to receive a drone from Mr. Mauricio Mejia, World Wildlife Fund (WWF) representative.

The drone that was purchased with project funds from WWF is a DJI Phantom 4 PRO. In addition, an Apple Ipad, was also purchased to be used for aerial surveys to collect data required for the management plan and for future research work at the UB. Other equipment that will be purchased through WWF are a ysi 5500 photometer, a camera, and reagents for spectrophotometry. This equipment will greatly assist in the successful execution of the project, and will support further research and learning at the University of Belize.

April-December

UB Team Led by the President Attends Third Belize-Mexico Binational Seminar at ECOSUR

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B President Professor Emeritus Clement Sankat accompanied by the Dean of the Faculty of Education and Arts, Dr. Nestor Chan; Dean of the Faculty of Nursing, Allied Health and Social Work, Ms. Leolin Castillo; Dean of the Faculty of Science and Technology, Ms. Julianne Pasos; Dean of Student Affairs, Dr. Jean Perriott; Director of Environmental Research Institute, Dr. Elma Kay; Director of Regional Language Center (RLC) Mr. Jhon Florez; and Special Assistant, Inter-institutional Collaboration, International Programs, Mr. Ewart Robateau attended the Third Belize-Mexico Binational Seminar entitled “Cooperation on Health Mexico-Belize” in Chetumal, Mexico on October 4, 2017. The President delivered welcome and closing remarks. He applauded Ambassador Carlos Quesnel Melendez, Ambassador of the Embassy of Mexico in Belize, for his dedication in bringing the universities of both countries to work together for their respective good. The President indicated that we have seen the tremendous challenges associated with globalization, migration, climate change and health for example and to treat today’s problems requires bilateral and multilateral responses, hence he was very pleased to see this occurring at the seminar as the spread of some diseases, that we are witnessing today, sees no national boundaries.

The bi-national seminar is a partnership among the University of Belize, the University of Quintana Roo (UQROO), and El Colegio de la Frontera Sur (ECOSUR) Unidad Chetumal and the Embassy

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Academic Leaders: Mtro. Ángel Ezequiel Rivero Palomo,UQROO; Héctor A. Hernández Arana​, ECOSUR; and Professor Emeritus Clement Sankat, UB

of Mexico in Belize. The seminar was held from October 4 - 6, 2017.

While in Chetumal and at the seminar, Professor Sankat also attended a bi-lateral meeting among institutions from Belize and Mexico. The meeting was attended by leaders of UB, UQROO and ECOSUR; the Minister of State in the Ministry of Health, Hon. Angel Campos; Chief Executive Officer (CEO) in the Ministry of Health, Dr. Ramon Figueroa; CEO in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Patrick Andrews; health representatives from the federal and state level in Mexico; and representatives from Pan American Health Organization (PAHO). – If there is a picture, this can be used as a caption.

The meeting included discussions on strengthening UB to deliver more relevant programs in health education and research through this partnership.

More areas of collaborative interest include Natural Resources management/sustainable development training at the Master’s level and research, teacher training and development at the graduate level, bi-lateral staff exchanges, and staff development with scholarships available from the CONACYT (Mexican National Council of Science and Technology) in Mexico City, student exchanges etc. Architects from UQROO were the developers of the master plan for the Belmopan Campus, therefore another key area discussed was their continued support in the physical redevelopment of UB.

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University of Belize INSIGHTS

UB Students and Faculty Present at the Third Bi-national Belize-Mexico Seminar

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he third Belize-Mexico Binational Seminar entitled “Cooperation on Health MexicoBelize” was held October 4-6, 2017 in Chetumal.

The bi-national seminar is a partnership among the University of Belize, the University of Quintana Roo (UQROO), and El Colegio de la Frontera Sur (ECOSUR) Unidad Chetumal and the Embassy of Mexico in Belize.

UB faculty members and UB students presented their research findings. Mr. Romaldo Lewis from the Faculty of Management and Social Sciences presented about the “Impact of climate change on Belize’s agricultural sector”. Dr. Thippi Thiagarajan, Ms. Lilian Blanco and Mr. Pedro Choco from the Faculty of Science and Technology presented on “A Comparative Study of Ethnobotanical use of Medicinal plants by Q’eqchi’

(L-R) Mr. Pedro Choco, Dr. Thippi Thiagarajan, Ms. Lilian Blanco and Mr. Romaldo Lewis

Maya of Southern Belize and the Yucatec Maya of Northern Belize”

UB Signs Agreement with VIU

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he University of Belize (UB) and Vancouver Island University (VIU) of Canada signed an Agreement of Cooperation on November 14, 2017. The objective of the agreement is to promote and expand international understanding by stimulating and supporting educational, professional and intercultural activities and projects among students and staff of the two institutions and the respective communities that support them.

The universities agreed on the following areas of cooperation: • Visits and exchange of members of the faculty, staff and students for the purpose of study, teaching and research; • Collaborative research projects and joint initiatives such as seminars and lectures; • Visiting scholars;

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•

Exchanging information, publications, and other material of common interest.

Professor Emeritus Clement Sankat signed on behalf of UB while Dr. Graham Pike, Dean of the Faculty of International Education signed for VIU.

April-December

CARDI and UB to Collaborate in the Agricultural Sector

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he Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI) and the University of Belize have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate in the areas of knowledge sharing, training and capacity building, resource mobilisation and research activities geared towards the development of the agricultural sector.

The MoU was signed by CARDI’s Executive Director, Barton Clarke and the President of the University of Belize, Professor Clement Sankat at the University of Belize Central Campus in the City of Belmopan. Witnessing the signing were CARDI Representative, Omaira Avila Rostant and University of Belize Central Farm Campus Administrator, Dr. Gordon Holder.

Barton Clarke said that while this MoU is mutually beneficial to both parties, he is particularly pleased with the education and training opportunities available for mentoring and developing young talent. He said that this is crucial for the development of a modernised, competitive agricultural sector across the Region.

Following the signing, a Public Consultation, facilitated by Clarke on CARDI’s Strategic Plan 20182022 was held at the Administrative and Technical

(L-R) Dr. Gordon Holder, Professor Emeritus Clement Sankat, Barton Clarke, and Omaira Avila

Services Conference Room, National Agriculture & Trade Showgrounds in the City of Belmopan.

Participants included officials from the Ministry of Agriculture, farmers, and representatives of international, regional and local agencies. The Strategic Plan provides the guiding framework on how the Institute will achieve its strategic goal of contributing to food and nutrition security through the development of innovations that contribute to sustainable, climate resilient value chains. Clarke said these consultations will take place in each of the 14 CARDI member states and give all persons and organisations with an interest in agriculture the opportunity to understand CARDI’s work and to contribute to its relevance and effectiveness.

UB & Mexican University Sign Cooperation Agreement

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delegation from Universidad Juarez Autonoma de Tabasco (UJAT) from neighboring Mexico visited the University of Belize seeking to strengthen partnership between the two academic institutions. An Agreement of Academic Collaboration was signed on July 7, 2017. The areas they agreed to collaborate on are Nursing, Agriculture, Cultural Students, Science and Technology. The partners are also interested in having student exchanges. Professor Emeritus Clement Sankat signed on UB’s behalf while Dr. José Manuel Piña Gutiérrez signed as President of UJAT.

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Professor Emeritus Clement Sankat and Dr. Dr. José Manuel Piña Gutiérrez sign the Agreement.

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University of Belize INSIGHTS

UB Joins Partners to Create Awareness of Intellectual Property and Innovation

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Hon. Michael Peyrefitte

Mr. Paul Regis

he University of Belize in partnership with Belize Intellectual Property Office (BELIPO), Citrus Research and Education Institute of the Citrus Growers Association and World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) hosted a two-day workshop on Intellectual Property and Innovation. The key areas of focus included building partnerships for the commercialization of research and mindset change that must accompany this, crucial components of any innovation and research and commercialization process. At the opening ceremony held on October 23, 2017 the audience was welcomed by Attorney General of Belize, Hon. Michael Peyrefitte; Mr. Paul Regis, Program Officer, Regional Bureau for Latin America and the Caribbean, WIPO; UB President Professor Emeritus Clement Sankat.

Mr. Regis highlighted the important role university research plays in the market. He also outlined the goals of the workshop which were to: elaborate on the Intellectual Property (IP) Strategy of Belize and its role in economic development; create awareness of IP asset management; sensitize participants to the importance of leveraging IP tools for competitiveness; engage the various stakeholders in the innovation ecosystem; and enhance approaches to commercialization of university research as well as industry/university collaboration challenges in the country.

Hon. Michael Peyrefitte encouraged artists, innovators, software developers and entrepreneurs, “Develop inventions like machines, electronics, software, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals and have them patented and

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Professor Emeritus Clement Sankat

ready for the world market. For our stellar leaders, even methods of production and methods of doing business can be patented.” He also said that they can count on help from his Ministry to make their innovation safe and competitive for the world market.

Professor Sankat also emphasized on the importance of research as intellectual property in the academic profession. He recalled on his own experience as both a researcher and academic leader on the need for patenting/protecting o ­ f one’s research that has clear commercial applications and the implications and benefits it has, for the individual researcher, the University and the country. The need for an IP Policy at UB to foster research and its application/commercialization is therefore very important.

Mr. Richard Aching, Technical Manager, IP Office of Trinidad and Tobago was a keynote presenter in the workshop. Presenters included international and national experts in the field of research and intellectual property. Dr. Arlenie Rogers from the UB Environmental Research Institute (that facilitated the event at UB) also presented on the commercialization of research.

April-December

UB’s Participation in Erasmus + International Week At University of Valladolid, Spain

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he University of Belize was represented

by Mr. Ewart Robateau, Special Assistant, Inter-institutional Collaboration, and International Programs at the University of Valladolid (UVa), Spain during an Erasmus + International Staff Training Week from May 22 through May 25. The Erasmus + Mobility program led by UVa is funded by the European Union and consists of a consortium of twelve (12) leading universities from Spain, Belize, Egypt, Fiji, Jamaica, Honduras, California, Papua New Guinea, South Africa, Syria, Tunisia and Vietnam.

This Training Workshop included presentations by participants on their particular universities, meetings with relevant departments at UVa to foster collaborations, tour of UVa facilities and other popular destinations in Valladolid and the City of Segovia. The highlight of the program was the presentation and training on the Internationalization of Higher education done by the Director of Internationalization at UVa. This particular presentation and discussions highlighted the phenomena and importance of International Education at higher education institutions.

This International Staff week was the first component of an Erasmus + mobility grant with UVa as the coordinating institution. Under this mobility scheme, UB has received eight (8) mobility scholarships, including four (4) one (1) week mobility for Faculty/Staff and four (4) one (1) Semester Study Abroad for students. UB is in the

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process of revising its Bachelor Degree in Spanish Education, therefore, faculty, staff and students involved in Spanish education were targeted for these opportunities. Also, UVa has since submitted a second round for Erasmus + funding and if approved, those opportunities will be opened to all disciplines.

It is noteworthy to mention that the opportunity to participate in this Erasmus + Mobility Scheme headed by UVa came about as a result of UB’s participation in the Caribbean Pacific-Island Mobility Scheme (CARPIMS) with the Secretariat at the University of the West Indies (UWI), St. Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago. CARPIMS benefited many Alumni, Faculty and Staff from UB in obtaining Master Degrees and in Professional Development. These types of opportunities are ways in which UB continues to seek and provide tangible benefits to its students, alumni, faculty and Staff alike.

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University of Belize INSIGHTS

UB Students on Study Aboard Program

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ldon August, Ashley Middleton and Erin Gabourel are proud recipients of the Emerging Leaders Scholarship funded by Global Affairs Canada through the Global Affairs Canada International Scholarships Program which is under administration by the Canadian Bureau for International Education.

All three UB students received funding totaling $7,500 Canadian per person. Scholarship funds are intended to cover transportation, visas and permits, living and other expenses in Canada.

Under the terms of this program, the tuition fees from the Canadian host institution are waived and recipients remain registered at their home institution during this exchange. All recipients of the 2017‐2018 program must arrive in Canada no later than February 1, 2018.

We are happy to share that all three students are presently in Canada pursuing studies for the Period September 2017 to December 2017.

Erin Gabourel is currently the sole Belizean e n r o l l e d at Huron University College (H.U.).

Erin said, “Being exposed to a new culture and academic influence, I am really inspired to be great, just by being a voice, and showing others from a well-developed Erin Gabourel country, that I am able to compete and learn at their level. It was culture shock when I saw that I was the only ‘black’ individual in three of my classes. Reflecting on it makes me want to strive for success even more. Despite the minority at the Huron being colored, I am propelled to make a difference.”

Eldon August received an athletic scholarship in 2015 from the University of Belize where he

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decided to pursue an Associate’s Degree in Marine Biology. He is now at Thompson Rivers University.

August has been impressed by the advanced technology and the different styles of teaching he has encountered.

“The UB-Canada exchange has helped me to grow and it shows me Eldon along with his family how far behind we are as a country. Canada is very advanced but I have been able to adapt to the country, the speed and its climate.”

Ashley Middleton is also at Thompson Rivers University.

She wanted to live in another environment to enhance her overall learning.

“I love travelling. I wanted to meet new people and learn a different culture and I also believed that if I studied away from home, it would help me become independent and mature.

I’ve learned to be more independent in terms Ashley enjoying the snow waking up for school on my own (not depending on my parents to wake me up), as well as making decisions for myself.

I am in a little community! The University as places to eat, apartments, a clinic, sports facilities, everything you need is right on campus.

The university looks out for its students. I’ve also learned a few things about myself, that is, I am not good at confrontations and I am very sensitive.”

April-December

IAEA Technical Cooperation Project BZE7002 Success in 2017 at UB

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B’s project BZ7002, “Strengthening National Capacity for Measuring and Monitoring Marine Pollution and Studying the Effects of Ocean Acidification on Marine Ecosystems”, is a project funded through the Technical Cooperation Program (TCP) of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The project is in year 2 of execution and has had a hugely successful year 2017. Among its accomplishments are the following: 1.

Mr. Jair Va l l a d a r e z , B i o l o g y L e c t u r e at FST, participated in a project coordination meeting held in Vienna Austria from the 10th to 12th April 2017.

The participation of Mr. Valladarez in this meeting Jair Valladarez arises from his involvement in project INT/7/019 “Supporting a Global Ocean Acidification Observing Network towards Increased Involvement of Developing States”. The training is part of the efforts to build human and laboratory capacity at UB through participation in national, regional and inter regional projects funded by the Technical Cooperation Program (TCP) of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The participation of Mr. Valladarez in this meeting will strengthen UB’s capacity to perform ocean acidification (OA) work and will complement work under project BZE7002. During the meeting, Mr. Valladarez was involved in discussions on standardization of methodology and OA research kits with renowned experts in the field and presented UB’s and by extension Belize’s current capacities, gaps and future needs and opportunities for collaboration in OA work.

2017

2.

Dr. Abel Carrias was in Monaco in November 2017 for a two-week training course at the Marine Environment S t u d i e s Dr. Abel Carrias Laboratory of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

He received training in organochlorine pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyls residue analysis in sediment and biota. Additionally, Dr. Carrias discussed the progress of national project BZE7002 with technical officers of the IAEA and explored potential opportunities for the University to participate in regional projects funded by the IAEA. 3.

Laboratory technician Mrs. Zeida Franco Leon was at the Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y C o s t e r a s (INVEMAR) in Santa Marta Colombia for a two-month training.

Mrs. Mrs. Zeida Franco Franco Leon received training in analysis of pesticides in aquatic environment, including sample preparation, extraction (surrogates standard spiking), clean-up and fractionation, quantification of organochlorinated pesticides by GC-ECD (optimization of conditions, calibration curbs and quantification of samples), maintenance and troubleshooting of the GC-ECD, and quality control/quality assurance/control charts.

4.

Water quality equipment has arrived at UB. Among the equipment purchased are: ...Continued on page 38

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University of Belize INSIGHTS

“Fultec Systems Computer Lab” at the University of Belize

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r. Mariot Simon, Vice President of The University of Belize said in his welcome remarks, “This newly renovated computer lab is a representation of our National University.

Except for the computers and printers, that are not produced here in Belize, everything else was locally sourced.” The importance of this event to the University of Belize was evident in the attendance of the Deans and Chairs from each Faculty along with the UB Management Team. The Chairman of the Board of Directors, Mr. Harrison Pilgrim, also attended this event and offered words of gratitude.

Mr. Harrison Pilgrim reiterated congratulations to Fultec Systems for agreeing to partner with The University of Belize to pave the way for growth and development of the National University. He hopes that another partner in the Belizean Community would consider following suit for one of the other labs on UB Campuses.

UB’s President Professor Emeritus Clement Sankat, who takes every opportunity to invite the Private Sector to invest in UB, applauds Fultec Systems Ltd. for accepting the call to give. Our Private Sector partners reap the rich reward of getting innovative, creative and competent University of Belize graduates as their employees.

Partnerships like these go beyond the day of the event, it benefits current and future students.

President Sankat recognized the input of Mr. Michael Link, who assisted during the time he was Director of Information Technology and Mr. Abulaziz Saunderson, current Director of Information Technology for their technical expertise. He also extended gratitude to Mr. Francis Burns for working on the layout and sourcing the quality computer desk work stations.

President Sankat recognized Mrs. Sherlene Julien, Director of Finance, for liaising with General Manager, Mrs. Diana Fuller from Fultec Systems and working on the conditions of the memorandum of understanding (MOU). President Sankat also hopes that more partners from the Private and Public Sector will offer support to UB in upgrading facilities for our students. He said that this was therefore a historic, landmark day for UB. President Sankat says he looks forward to the day when there will be the ceremony to name one of UB’s faculty after a Private Sector Benefactor. As a preamble to Mrs. Diana Fuller,

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President Sankat along with Mrs. Fuller

President Sankat said he is very pleased with the conditions of the MOU especially for the $5,000 donation towards the Endowment Fund to provide scholarships to deserving students for them to further their education at UB and the $30,000 in cash and “in kind” support from Fultec Systems which will assist with the upkeep of the computer lab.

Mrs. Diana Fuller said that when Fultec Systems was approached a few months ago by The University of Belize to assist with the upgrading of the computer lab, they were humbled by the request and immediately agreed as this was in line with Fultec Systems ’ beliefs, of giving back.

Having the computer lab named ‘Fultec Systems Computer Lab’ was an added reward to support the development of our National University. Mrs. Fuller reminisced of her father who had decided to go back to school at the age of 69 to learn more about

...Continued on page 38

April-December

IAEA Technical Cooperation Project BZE7002 Success in 2017 ...Continued from page 36

• HACH DR600 UV VIS Spectrophotometer plus reagents for analysis of 21 water quality parameters. The DR6000™ is the industry’s most advanced laboratory spectrophotometer for water testing. It offers high-speed wavelength scanning across the UV and Visible Spectrum, and comes with over 250 pre-programmed methods including the most common water and environmental testing methods used today.

• YSI DSSPRO Portable Multiparameter Meter with GPS, Depth sensor and 50 Meter cable. Additionally, 6 replaceable sensors, accessories and calibration solutions were purchased. The YSI ProDSS (digital sampling system) is a portable water quality multiparameter instrument for the measurement of several critical parameters - dissolved oxygen (optical), turbidity, pH, ORP, conductivity, specific conductance, salinity, resistivity, ammonia, chloride, nitrate, depth, temperature and GPS coordinates.

5. A two-week training course has been secured for Mr. Rolando Caballero, Laboratory Manager of the FST. Mr. Caballero will undergo training in January 2018 at the Bowen and Bowen Water Lab in Ladyville Belize.

Mr. Caballero will receive training in use of spectrophotometer and in EPA approved methodologies, Rolando Caballero

laboratory standard operating procedures, quality assurance and other intricacies of water quality analysis using spectrophotometry. The Bowen and Bowen Lab, through Laboratory Manager Mr. Manuel Lanza, has graciously agreed to provide the training free of cost.

6. All paper work, inclusive of drafting of equipment specifications and opening of bid for provision of services for purchase of equipment for year 2 of the project have been completed.

Some equipment has already purchased while procurement is underway for the remaining equipment. These include the following: UB’s goal is to work alongside the TCP to establish a long and fruitful relationship for building capacity at UB and of its stakeholders that will lead to meaningful contributions towards the development of Belize.

The University of Belize wishes to thank Mrs. Orla Cantun-Coleman and Mr. Maximiliano Ruiz, National Liaison Officer and Alternate Liaison officer respectively, for IAEA related matters in Belize, for their contribution and support of TCP projects being executed by UB.

“Fultec Systems Computer Lab” at the University of Belize ...Continued from page 37 computers. Therefore,

they see the ‘Fultec Systems Computer Lab’ as a place for everyone willing to make a difference.

This was also the thought when they decided to assist with $5,000 to the UB Endowment Fund specifically to assist a student who chooses to pursue advancement in Information Technology.

Mrs. Fuller also presented the first $10,000 that is a part of the MOU to initiate their commitment to the clauses agreed upon. Mrs. Fuller said, “The key to the improvement of self, community and

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country is to be inspired - to aspire to whatever your purpose is - to make a difference in this world.”

After the unveiling, those present were able to view the Fultec Systems Computer Lab that is equipped with 70 new computers. The expansion of the lab sets the stage for the strategic focus of UB’s institutional development through improved facilities and services provided to students.

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University of Belize INSIGHTS

Establishment of the IndiaBelize Centre of Engineering

Mr. Ewart Robateau, UB; Hon. Wilfred Elrington, H.E. Muktesh Pardeshi, Hon. Patrick Faber, Ms. Debbie Domingo and Mr. Patrick Andrews

Government of Belize Press Office On December 20th, 2017 the Government of Belize and the Government of the Republic of India signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the establishment of the India-Belize Centre of Engineering (IBCE). The signing was done in an effort to enhance the potential for cooperation between the two countries in the field of technical education and skill development.

The MOU seeks to upgrade and modernize the existing workshops at the Department of Engineering in the Faculty of Science and Technology of the University of Belize, to provide vocational training in the fields approved by the countries to the youths of Belize.

In addition, the MOU will also foster cooperation in creating an environment that is conducive to the smooth functioning of the IBCE and reviewing and monitoring its performance to ensure its successful establishment, operation and sustainability.

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Signing on behalf of the Government of Belize was Minister of Foreign Affairs and Home Affairs Hon. Wilfred Elrington, and on behalf of the Government of the Republic of India was the High Commission of the Republic of India to Belize His Excellency Muktesh K. Pardeshi.

During his keynote remarks, the Hon. Patrick Faber, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sports, acknowledged the friendly relationship of over 30 years between Belize and India. Hon. Faber recognized India’s contribution as a long-standing and trusted partner in the development of Belize.

The signing of the MOU took place at the office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at the Laing Building in Belize City.

April-December

CAMPUS LIFE

Student Government Leaders Belmopan Student Government President-Shiyanne Perez Vice-President-Diane Montero Fin. Controller-Janese Castillo Secretary of Advocacy - ​ James Bregal Secretary of Sports - Jada Parche Secretary of Legislation -Amelia Bo Senator of FST-Jamal Witty Senator of FNAHSW-Monisha Hyde Senator of FEA-Gerian Hernandez Senator of FMSS-Alvin Medrano Punta Gorda Student Government President - Tanigi Palacio Administrative Officer - Jamie Petillo Financial Controller - Gerson Coleman Secretary of Programming- Romario Braddick Secretary of Sports - Kyle Roches Secretary of legislation - Kathleen Supaul Secretary of Advocacy - Carla Cassimiro Senator for FMASS - Vilma Ramclam Senator for FEA - Nirecy Santino

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Belize City Student Government President - Eluide Miller Vice President - F ​ atima Gordon ​ Administrative Officer - Monica Flowers Financial Controller - Alfonso Perera Secretary of Programming- Lynette Palacio Secretary of Sports - Erick Glenn Secretary of legislation - Monique Samuel Secretary of Advocacy - Khyra Harris Senator for FMASS- Myrin Marin Senator for FEA - Calman Hall Senator for FST-Elaida Coc Senator for FNAHSW-Monica Heredia Shiyanne Perez was elected as Chair of the Association of Student Governments and represents students on the Board of Trustees.

Student Government elections was held in May 2017. Next election is scheduled for May 2019.

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University of Belize INSIGHTS

Patriotic Students participate in 21st Parade

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n the 21st of September, 2017, UB Belize City Student Government and fellow students participated in the annual uniform parade.

In an effort to effectively represent the University of Belize, Student Government members designed a float with the help of Dr. Maxine Mckay.

The President of UB Belize City Student Government (SG),Eluide Miller and his executive

body thanks all students for supporting the SG’s T-shirt sale and for energetically marching through the streets of Belize City. In addition, the SG thanks all faculty members and staff for their support. They gave special thank you to Dean of Student Affairs, Dr. Jean Perriott for her unending support and her words of encouragement and inspiration when they needed most.

Students Placed Informational Signs about Animals on Campus

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tudents from the Natural History of Invertebrates gifted the UB Belmopan Campus community with ten information signs that were placed along walkways about invertebrates and vertebrates found on the campus. These are a result of class projects done by Bachelor Biology students for the courses, Natural History of Invertebrates and Natural History of Vertebrates taught by Dr. Latha Thomas. These signs are intended to educate the community on the animal diversity of the campus.

Congratulations to Dr. Thomas and her students on this initiative.

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April-December

Let’s Build UB Together: The Physical Transformation

The “Let’s Build UB Together” campaign started with students and staff painting the Library Building

The Administration Building was repainted to give it a brighter look

Two new wooden buildings were acquired for the Faculty of Nursing, Allied Health and Social Work

The transformation was also seen in Belize City were the FEA buildings were painted

The students in Belmopan can now enjoy a brand new red palapa

The computer and Medical labs in Jaguar Building were expanded and remodelled

The leaking thatched roof in Punta Gorda was replaced with a new durable roof

Lights were installed behind the Regional Language Center in order to provide a safer learning environment for our students

2017

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University of Belize INSIGHTS

UB Celebrates National Service Day

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he University of Belize (UB) students, faculty and staff joined donors on September 19th, 2017 to beautify the different Campuses as a tribute to National Service Day, a day commemorated across the country in honor of former Prime Minister, the Right Honorable George Cadle Price who passed away on this date in 2011.

At a ceremony held on the grounds of the main campus, Belmopan Mayor, His Worship Khalid Belisle delivered the keynote address. Mayor Belisle reminded the students that National Service Day honors Right Honorable George Price, who started the peaceful, constructive revolution in 1950 that led Belize to Independence on September 21st, 1981. His lifelong dedication to the country, led to several distinguished titles being bestowed upon him including: the “Order of National Hero”, Belize’s highest honor and “Father of the Nation.”

Not only was he a man of deed but also of humility.

As he travelled the country, he offered his service to communities. He contributed in a selfless manner to uplift the country and people of Belize.

Following the keynote address by Mayor Belisle, UB President, Professor Emeritus Clement Sankat spoke of a service driven form of leadership.

“At UB, the service we provide to our staff, our stakeholders and our students must be with a lot of heart since we are enhancing their well-being.

We want to produce citizens who will create changes desired in Belize. I was heartened to see volunteerism thriving in Belize. It is a higher form of service because there are no expectations involved. I saw two students come all the way

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from Corozal with large plants on the bus to the Belmopan Campus. I truly admire their spirit of giving since they desire not only to see their University campus as beautiful, but also seen in a positive and great light.”

President Sankat congratulated Dr. Latha for mobilizing staff and students for the volunteering drive; Mr. Francis Burns and his team at the Physical Plant section of UB; those who received awards of appreciation from UB; the kindness of the private sector who had given plants at generous, discounted prices and the group from the deep south in the Toledo district who gave UB 100 Mahogany and Cedar plants, the “Ya’axche Conservation Trust.”

Executive Director of the Ya’axche Conservation Trust, Christina Garcia commented that, “Ya’axche is extremely grateful for the partnership formed with the University of Belize and supports its efforts in continuing to beautify its campuses by donating tree saplings. National Service Day is a great opportunity to directly participate and support efforts by contributing towards nature and humans for the benefit of both.”

Belmopan Mayor Belisle and UB President Sankat joined to set the first plant into the soil.

National Service Day complemented the Campus Beautification Project as the humility and spirit of the Right Honorable George Price was alive and well in the faculty, staff and students who tilled the soil.

April-December

UB PG Holds Golden Oldies Banquet Fundraising Event

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he University of Belize Punta Gorda Campus held its Golden Oldies Banquet fundraiser on Saturday, December 2, 2017, at the Father Ring Parish Hall in Punta Gorda Town.

This fundraising event was to upgrade the infrastructure of the UB Punta Gorda Campus.

This event allowed the Punta Gorda Campus to engage with the community to build and strengthen partnerships with the business and local community of Punta Gorda.

The guests were greeted by the PG Campus

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Administrator, Mr. Roy Polonio and the President of the University, Professor Emeritus Clement Sankat who delivered the keynote address, assured the guests present that, “The transformation that the University is presently going through is for the improvement in relevance, quality and offerings/ services to the Belizean Community.”

The patrons enjoyed performances by Alumni, current students of the University of Belize and the “Love Connection Combo” who specialize in old school music.

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University of Belize INSIGHTS

UB Environmental Club 2nd Annual Recycled Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony

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he University of Belize Environmental Club held a Recycled Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony on November 28th, 2017, at the University of Belize (UB), Belmopan Campus. The Environmental Club has been an active club for more than 19 years. It has participated in various cleanup activities in Belize such as UB’s Annual Earth Day; the La Ruta Maya Belize River Challenge, and the “Walk for a Green Belize” which is a partnership of the Department of Environment, the Belize Solid Waste Management Authority and the Belize Audubon Society.

The Christmas tree, was displayed in the front of Belmopan Central Campus, it was 10 feet high and made exclusively from Bowen and Bowen plastic bottles. Even though the company accepts

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used bottles as part of its recycling program, many bottles still get discarded. The Christmas tree comprised of 18 rings containing 1,211 bottles topped off with a beautiful recycled star created by Jolie Ruiz. Justine Myvett, a senior field technician at UB said “It took the Club three days to build the Recycled Christmas Tree. Environmental Club members Mr. Eric Flores and Jimmy Zometa used their creativity and knowledge of mechanics to build the tree frame and club members stringed the bottles and tied them on the tree frame, ring by ring.” Bowen & Bowen Limited donated snacks and beverages for the event which was packed and filled with steel pan music courtesy of Mark Jones.

April-December

LECTURE SERIES

UB Takes a Bold Stand Against Cyberbullying and Sexting

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he University of Belize’s motto, “Education Empowers a Nation”, refers to more than teaching within the confines of the classroom. Empowerment is about creating meaningful changes and connections to help our Belizean society become stronger and more confident. The Faculty of Education and Arts (FEA) in its quest to form strong alliances with the community launched its Anticyberbullying campaign on April 6, 2017 with an education forum under the theme, “Stand up! Speak Up! No to Cyberbullying!”.

The purpose of this launch is to sensitize the community on the effects of cyberbullying and to discourage the posting, sharing, or liking of any vulgar, rude, insensitive, racist, false or sexist messages, images, or videos to harass, torment, threaten, intimidate, embarrass, hurt, or attack a person or a group of persons.

Stopbullying.gov describes cyberbullying as ,“use of mean text messages, emails, rumors sent by email or posted on social networking sites, and embarrassing pictures, videos, websites, or fake profiles”. In a small knitted society such as Belize, exposing victims’ nude pictures on social media can have serious repercussions. Revealed in a recent study is that teens involved in sexting are twice as likely to report feeling symptoms of depression than those not involved. The survey also revealed that teens who send and receive sexual text messages are more likely to report having attempted suicide.

Even as there is need to halt the exposure of nude photos online, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Chester Williams, noted that Belize currently does not have a specific law against cyberbullying.

However, there are efforts to develop legislation and policies to halt this practice. Such legislation will also seek to bring an end to hate crimes which also include posting of pictures by persons

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in intimate relationships after the relationship has gone “sour.” This cowardly form of revenge intended to damage the reputation of victims cannot be supported, encouraged, or promoted in Belize.

This educational forum held in UB’s Jaguar Auditorium included speakers such as the Deputy Major of Belmopan, Mr. Ralston Fraser, who emphasized the need to speak out against cyberbullying. Mr. Kyle Miller of the Research and Education Unit of the Department of Youth Services explained that cyberbullying is wrong and posting of nude pictures should be discouraged.

Mr. Darrell Chapman, Information Officer at the United States Embassy, sensitized participants on the effects of cyberbullying and informed that in the US it is a criminal offence to willfully post nude pictures of a person. Ms. Renee Wentz, UB’s Students’ Affairs Counsellor and Assistant Commissioner of Police Chester Williams sensitized students about the inappropriate use of social media to post nude pictures or to bully and intimidate others. In attendance were students from UB, Belmopan Baptist High School and Belmopan Methodist High School.

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University of Belize INSIGHTS

Analysing the Impact SSB’s Wage Bands will have on Payments

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t the UB’s second Math symposium, Mr. Sean Sebastian, Manager of Policy & Research at SSB made a presentation on an ongoing project SSB is currently undertaking entitled, the Impact that Adjusting SSB’s Wage Bands will have on Contribution and Benefit Payments. The reason for adjusting SSB wage band is simply because SSB Ceiling of contributions has been frozen since 2001. As a result, 40% of insured persons are presently exceeding the ceiling of $320 per week, rendering SSB pensions irrelevant for those earning higher salaries. The adjustments to the contribution ceiling that the Actuary has recommended are as follows: • Removal of the 2 lowest wage bands, the last of which has become obsolete with the increase of the minimum wage to $3.30 as of May 2012 and • Increasing the ceiling (highest wage group) of contributions from $320 to $520 The Current and Proposed Preliminary Schedule of Contributions (contribution payments that employees and employer are required to pay by wage groups) was presented in tabular form and showed the present and proposed contribution payment structure for employees and employers.

The impact that adjusting the wage bands had on contribution payments was shown in tabular form by comparing the Current to the Proposed Weekly Cost to: Employees, Employers and to both. The difference in weekly contribution payments was also presented which showed the impact that adjusting wage bands will have on each band in monetary terms (see Table below). It was found that employers and employees will pay higher contributions to SSB for employees that earn salaries less than $110.00 per week, employees that earn salaries more than $339.99 per week and employed retirees. However, employers and employees will pay the same contributions to SSB

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for employees that earn salaries between $110.00 and $339.99 per week inclusive.

The impact that adjusting the wage bands on benefit payments was shown in tabular form by comparing the Current to the Proposed Weekly Benefit Payments to employees for all wage groups. It was found that SSB will pay higher benefit payments to employees that earn salaries less than $110.00 per week, employees that earn salaries more than $339.99 per week and employed retirees. However, SSB will pay the same benefit amounts to employees that earn salaries between $110.00 and $339.99 per week inclusive .

Lastly, two real life scenarios of Claimants Receiving Benefit Payments Under Current & Proposed Wage Bands were presented via tabular form to illustrate the impact that adjusting wage bands would have on contribution and benefit payments. The first example showed the increase in total benefits that a cane cutter (employee at the lowest wage group) who has been working for 2 years making a salary of $100 a week can claim after only paying a year worth of contributions.

The table showed that a cane cutter would receive from SSB $2,096.28 more in benefit payments under the Proposed Schedule of Contributions after increasing the employee and employer contribution payment by ...Continued on page 47

April-December

A Critical Look at Effects of Glyphosate

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r. Stephanie Seneff, Senior Research Scientist at MIT’s Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (CSAIL) in Cambridge, Massachusetts, U.S., presented on the adverse effects of glyphosate at University of Belize, Central Farm campus in early April.

Glyphosate, the top-most imported pesticide in Belize. It is sprayed widely and freely in Belize to control weeds: under fences, along roadways, in playgrounds, around gardens and walkways, around fields, under trees, and in orchards.

Glyphosate is used by all major crop growers, individual farmers, gardeners, and home owners.

Commonly known as Roundup, it has been advertised by its manufacturer, Monsanto, as being safe since its introduction in the US in 1974.

Belize currently has 19 registered glyphosate formulations.

Dr. Seneff cited many peer-reviewed studies that show how glyphosate disrupts the gut microbiome in humans, causing the suppression of biosynthesis of Cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes and key amino acids; beneficial gut bacteria are destroyed and pathogens are increased, leading to intestinal diseases such as leaky gut, Celiac disease, and other inflammatory diseases such as Crohn’s disease. Furthermore, the human body develops overactive antibody response to foreign protein contaminated with glyphosate and, through molecular mimicry, this leads to autoimmune disease and can explain gluten intolerance and other food allergies. Some people have found that “gluten intolerance” was really glyphosate intolerance when they switched to organic flour that has not been sprayed with glyphosate.

Dr. Seneff also cited studies that show how glyphosate use impacts animal biodiversity and health either directly or indirectly through

destruction of habitats. Honeybee colonies can be decimated directly by glyphosate poisoning and indirectly by bees’ impaired cognitive capacities to navigate. It is considered to be particularly toxic to aquatic and amphibian species, due to its high water solubility. When glyphosate affects key species, whole ecosystems are affected.

Glyphosate was detected at all sample sites in a three-year study in the Maya Mountain Reserve by Kristine Kaiser, 2011. The compelling case against the safety of glyphosate in our environment, soil, water and air has prompted the seven sponsors of Dr. Seneff’s visit, including Pro-Organic Belize, Belize Wellness Institute, Belize Botanic Gardens, Belize Organic Family Farming, Plenty Belize, Sustainable Harvest International-Belize, the Southeast Watershed Alliance Group and UB Central Farm, to call on the GOB to discontinue the use of glyphosate on all public land and ban its importation.

Analysing the Impact SSB’s Wage Bands will have on Payments ...Continued from page 46 a total of $166.40. The

second example showed the benefits for a pregnant accountant who has been working for 1 year making a salary of $500 a week can claim. Here it was shown that this pregnant accountant would receive a total benefit payment from SSB worth $21,487.71 under the proposed schedule of contributions if she and her

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employer would make contribution payments of $2,163.20. The presentation showed the audience how math taught at school like simple arithmetic could be applied to solve real life problems at the work place.

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University of Belize INSIGHTS

UB and US Embassy Student Forum: The Underrepresentation of Women in Politics

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he University of Belize together with the US Embassy held a Student Forum entitled: “The Underrepresentation of Women in Politics” on August 28, 2017. The featured speaker was Dr. Kelly Dittmar from Rutgers University Camden, United States. She spoke on the level of representation of females in politics and what are some of the causes for the underrepresentation.

Male dominance, dearth of women candidates and higher hurdles to candidacy and success play an important role in discouraging women to pursue a political career according to Dr. Dittmar.

Dr. Kelly Dittmar is an assistant professor of political science at Rutgers University–Camden and a scholar at the Center for American Women and Politics (CAWP) at the Eagleton Institute of Politics. She is the author of “Navigating Gendered Terrain: Stereotypes and Strategy in Political Campaigns” (Temple University Press, 2015).

Dr. Dittmar’s research focuses on gender and American political institutions with a particular focus on how gender informs campaigns and the impact of gender diversity among elites in policy

and political decisions, priorities, and processes.

Dr. Dittmar was an American Political Science Association (APSA) congressional fellow from 2011 to 2012. At CAWP she manages national research projects, helps develop and implement CAWP’s research agenda, and contributes to CAWP reports, publications, and analyses. She also works with CAWP’s programs for women’s public leadership and has been an expert source and commentator for media outlets including MSNBC, NPR, The Huffington Post, and the Washington Post. Dr. Dittmar earned her B.A. from Aquinas College in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and her Ph.D. from Rutgers University-New Brunswick.

Learning from the Leaders

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n Tuesday, April 25, 2017, the Educational Leadership and Administration class under lecturer, Mr. Douglas Morrison at the University of Belize hosted a leadership panel under the theme, “Adjusting the Lens on Leadership as We Collaborate in Education”. This was held at the George Price Centre for Peace and Development in the City of Belmopan.

Members of the panel were leaders in education from the various levels as well as a leader from the business community. The esteemed panelists were Mrs. Rosalie Witty representing the primary level, Dr. Karim Juan from the secondary level, Dr. June Young the Chair of Faculty of Education and Arts, Department of Education, Dr. Young represented the tertiary level, and His Worship,

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Mayor of Orange Walk Town, Mayor Kevin Bernard represented business. The four panelists shared their views about leadership in the Belizean context along with their successes and challenges they face as leaders.

April-December

Belize: Exploring Security Threats Home and Abroad

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he History Department of the University of Belize and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs hosted a conference entitled “Exploring Security Threats Home and Abroad’ on September 18, 2017.

The mistress of ceremonies was Department Chair Miss Francine Sabal. The guest speaker for the event was the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon Wilfred Sedi Elrington. The welcome address was given by the Vice President of U.B Dr., Mariott Simon. President of the University, Professor Emeritus Clement Sankat gave the opening remarks. Greetings on behalf of Mayor Khalid Belisle were extended by the Deputy Mayor of Belmopan. The President drew parallels between Belize and other countries facing similar security threats and pledged the support of the university in encouraging research to bring about a greater understanding as well as to help find solutions to these pressing issues. Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Sedi Elrington traced the history of the struggles with Guatemala and the present state of crime in Belize. Other presenters included Ambassadors Stuart Leslie who worked closely with the department, Ambassador James Murphy, Mr. Paco Smith, Adjunct lecturer U.B., Chief Executive Officer in the Ministry of Defence Mr. Felix Enriquez, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Mr. Chester Williams, and Ms. Charlee

Hutchinson, Graduate of the History Department of U.B. The event was well attended and supported by the faculty and students of the university as well as other members of the general public. History lecturer Joseph Sampson gave the vote of thanks.

Student Forum: Investigative and Ethical Journalism with Kendis Gibson

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n October 5, 2017 The U.S. Embassy Belmopan and the University of Belize collaborated a forum for Students entitled “Investigative Journalism and Ethical Journalism”.

The presenter was Award Winning Reporter Kendis Gibson, who was born in Belize. Mr. Gibson is currently an Anchor and Reporter for ABC News.

2017

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University of Belize INSIGHTS

Lecture on Impact of Trauma on Children’s Development

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r. Jenean A. Castillo presented a lecture to the third year student nurses of UB who were enrolled in NURS3051 Care of Infants and Children. The emphasis was the professional nurse’s understanding of trauma in a child’s development. These students are also being prepared to complete their practicum next semester and will be interacting with clients with special needs. The presentation provided students with knowledge and strategies to be dynamic professionals who will advocate for client’s rights and provide a non-judgemental caring nurse-patient relationship with minors and their parents. Dr. Castillo was able to do a presentation that had practical relevance to the Belizean culture.

Dr. Castillo co-developed and manages the Every Family Counts Aftercare Program, which provides intensive in-home and community-based services to all families in Westchester County who are reuniting after regular foster care placement in order to maintain safety and permanency. She conducts and oversees programs for children and families in foster care including evaluations as well as direct clinical and therapeutic services.

In addition, Dr. Castillo supervises and trains graduate and post-graduate students.

Dr. Jenean A. Castillo, is a graduate of St. John’s Junior College, Belize. She subsequently earned

a Bachelor’s Degree in psychology from Lehman College, City University of New York, followed by her Ph.D. in Applied Developmental Psychology from Fordham University in New York.

Dr. Castillo’s current research activities include a program evaluation of the Aftercare Program and examining the psychological profiles of children in foster care. She also served as an evaluator for a federally funded program, Project LAUNCH (Linking Actions for Unmet Needs in Children’s Health) , which seeks to promote healthy development of young children birth to age eight.

Nursing Students Learn More about Diabetes

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h e Fa c u l t y o f Nursing, Allied Health and Social Sciences held a special professional lecture about D i a b e t i c retinopathy.

The lecture was held as a

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part of Diabetes A ​ wareness with World Diabetes Day being celebrated Nov 14 each year around the world. Diabetic retinopathy is a condition that​ affects blood vessels in the light-sensitive tissue called the retina that lines the back of the eye. It is the most common cause of vision loss among people with diabetes and the leading cause of vision impairment and blindness among workingage adults. Diabetic macular edema (DME).

The Lecture was presented by Dr. Andre Joel Cervantes who founded the Neurosurgery and Spine Surgery Department at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital in Belize City.

April-December

FMSS Lecture: Emerging Values for a Sustainable Global Society

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he Faculty of Management and Social Sciences had lecture entitled “Emerging Values for a Sustainable Global Society” which was delivered by Dr. Hooshmand Badee on September 12, 2017.

We are living in an extraordinary time. Changes are taking place all the time and globalization is a part of this change. Globalization is not any more an imaginary idea, it is going to happen whether we want it or not, and it is a part of everyone’s life. These conditions have created strong interdependency between the peoples and nations of the world.

The lecture focused on how globalization takes place, the current process of globalization, how CARICOM and Belize in particular benefit from

Hooshmand Badee courtesy of https://wilmetteinstitute.org/hooshmand-badee/

globalization, And the question of Britain leaving the European Union and its impact on CARICOM. Discussions were done from a socio-politicaleconomic and ethical perspective.

UB Hosts Premiere Screening of Green Days by the River - A Film by Michael Mooleedhar

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B President Professor Emeritus Clement Sankat welcomed Mr. Michael Mooleedhar, director of the film Green Days by the River which is based on the book by the same name written by Trinidad and Tobago’s well known writer, Mr. Michael Anthony.

Professor Sankat addressed the students from Belmopan Comprehensive School in the filled to capacity Jaguar Auditorium. Picture to replace?

Professor Sankat introduced Mr. Mooleedhar, acknowledging him as a young talented filmmaker in Trinidad and Tobago, receiving the People’s Choice Award for Film Festival in 2009 and 2015. Professor Sankat gave good advice on the importance of film-making as a possible career venture especially considering the changing times that we live in and how the media, television, social media and digital technology are transforming how we communicate and engage. He also reminded the students to continue doing well in their studies and in a few years he will be welcoming them at the National University of Belize.

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(L-R) Mr. Seth Hernandez, Ms. Jacklyn Burns, Mr. Michael Mooleedhar and Professor Emeritus Clement Sankat

Mr. Mooleedhar says Belize is the second country where Green Days by the River Film was being screened. He was in Belize for the 12th Edition of the Belize International Film Festival.

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University of Belize INSIGHTS

Courtney Presents at Silvaana Udz Lekcha

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he Faculty of Education and Arts hosted the fourth Silvaana Udz Lekcha on September 5, 2017. Award-winning journalist and news anchor Courtney Weatherburne, ​ one of our outstanding ​ UB alum​ s​ , was this year’s distinguished lecturer. ​Her lecture was entitled “The Role of Today’s Journalists in Belize’s Democracy and Development”. She reflected on her journey as a journalist at Channel 7 and encouraged students in the English program. She acknowledged the University of Belize for giving her a good foundation in English.

Named in honor of Dr. Silvaana Udz, a former UB lecturer and ​​ Belize’s p ​ reeminent Kriol activist, this annual lecture series introduces students to noteworthy authors, poets and other intellectuals from Belize and abroad, so that our students may be inspired to pursue a life of letters and critical reflection.

1st Presidential Lecture Series: Student Advocacy & Social Responsibility

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n November 8th, 2017 the University of Belize held its inaugural Presidential Lecture Series which was presented by Nikoli Edwards. Edwards who is from Trinidad and Tobago is currently the Vice Chairperson responsible for policy, advocacy, and projects for the Commonwealth Youth Council. His presentation focused on student advocacy and social responsibility. In his speech, Edwards spoke of growing up and being an entrepreneur by selling products at the market; seeing his father’s dead body on social media; organizing student protests at UWI St Augustine when teachers withheld grades; being asked to serve as a senator; his Friendship with UB president Clement Sankat; meeting dynamic UB students at the Youth Conference

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held in Belize City.

Ewards emphasizes that “Youth Advocacy has the potential to take you worldwide, while spreading the message of the need for enhanced youth development and allowing the voices of others to be heard.”

April-December

2nd Presidential Lecture Series: Tribute to Fidel Castro

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UB President spoke on the legacy of Fidel Castro

he Embassy of the Republic of Cuba and The President of The University of Belize held the second UB Presidential Lecture Series, as a tribute to the Leader of the Cuban Revolution, Fidel Alejandro Castro Ruz. The event was held on November 23, 2017 at the Jaguar Auditorium at the Belmopan Campus. Fidel Alejandor Castro Ruz was born in Biràn, province of Holguin, on August 13, 1926 and passed away on November 25, 2016 at the age of 90.

Those present got more insight on the life of Mr. Fidel Castro by an audio visual documentary entitled “Oda a La Revolucion”. Keynote remarks was done by the Ambassador of the Republic of Cuba, H.E. Lissette Perez Perez. Remarks were done by members of the Northern Maya Association, Ms. Adela Pederson and Mr. Fostino Yam. Mr. Stan Martinez presented on behalf of the members of the National Garifuna Council.

There were cultural presentations done by Cuban

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H.E. Lissette Perez Perez delivers the tribute

H.E. Perez Perez and President Sankat unveil the plaque

artists based in Belize. H.E. Lissette Perez Perez and Professor Emeritus Clement Sankat unveiled the plaque in honor of the Tribute to Commander Fidel Castro Ruz.

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University of Belize INSIGHTS

PRESIDENTIAL NEWS

UB President Assumes Leadership of the Council of Central American Universities – CSUCA

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resident Clement Sankat of the University of Belize has assumed the Vice Presidency of Consejo Superior Universitario Centroamericano (CSUCA - Central American Higher Education Council in English) for this academic year (July, 2017 - June, 2018) and will thereafter be President of the 69 year old organization, for the following academic year (2018-2019). The University of Belize under the leadership of its President, Professor Clement Sankat, has been asked by the Secretary General of CSUCA Dr. Alfonso Fuentes Soria to assume these leadership positions of the consortium based in Guatemala City, Guatemala.

CSUCA is the Council of Higher Education Institutions in Belize, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and Panama. President Sankat attended his first meeting on September 7-8, 2017 in Managua, Nicaragua.

Dr. Alfonso Fuentes Soria recently visited the University of Belize and met with President Sankat to apprise him on his new role in CSUCA. Together they paid a courtesy visit to the Prime Minister of Belize, the Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow.

It is expected that Professor Emeritus Clement Sankat will provide leadership for the cause of this organization as it relates to quality, standards and mobility in higher education in Central America.

His objectives also include the development of strong sporting and cultural relationships among the institutions and the exchange of staff, students, library information and joint academic programmes. There is much expectation also that the University of Belize could become a hub for students from Central America who may wish to have an English language education experience.

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(L-R) Professor Emeritus Clement Sankat, Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow and Dr. Alfonso Fuentes Soria

President Sankat attended his first CSUCA meeting on September in Nicaragua

April-December

The President of the University of Belize Addresses the Nonresident Ambassadors

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n Wednesday, 20th September, UB President Emeritus Clement Sankat along with academic Deans and Directors addressed, Nonresident Ambassadors accredited to Belize at the Radisson Fort George Hotel and Marina in Belize City on the invitation of Minister of Foreign Affairs, Honorable Wilfred Elrington. This was a time when the Ambassadors gathered in Belize for the 36th Anniversary Independence Celebrations. The main presentation to the gathering “The University of Belize – An Imperative for a Transformational Leap” was delivered by President Sankat.

During the presentation, UB’s President outlined a brief history of the amalgamation of institutions to create The University of Belize and the distribution of university campus sites across the country to serve Belize. President Sankat informed, “Currently there are 4,924 students attending UB with: 2,658 in Belmopan; 1,642 in Belize City; 56 in Central Farm; 405 in Punta Gorda; and 163 in the north of the country as part of the Sugar Belt Early Childhood Education program.

Students are enrolled in certificate, associate and bachelor’s degree programs in the Faculties of Education and Arts, Nursing, Allied Health and Social Work; Management and Social Sciences; Science and Technology, the Regional Language Center; the Environmental Research Institute and the Central Farm.”

President Sankat also spoke on topics such as improving the education of Faculty and the physical environment at the campuses, the need for regular curriculum reviews and a renewed focus on applied research. He said, “We will take the first tentative steps to build the research culture at UB, through our Faculty and a small cadre of graduate students, at the Masters level and in defined areas of our current expertise.”

A key area emphasized during the session was

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the need for financing and to create a culture of “giving back” to the University, managing alumni relations, philanthropy, building public/private/ international partnerships, and developing new business ventures to realize capital development and an endowment fund in particular. President Sankat noted that the UB cannot achieve the transformation on its own. It has the vision and determination but capacity must be built through partnerships for funding, educational opportunities, research and program development including joint degrees between institutions. He spoke to the benefit of international partnerships and where assistance from the international community, international universities and funding institutions can play a vital role in advancing Belize’s higher education. President Sankat appealed to the Diplomats to consider the National University of Belize in their deliberations as the development of the human capital in Belize is a precursor to sustainable development of the Country.

Several diplomats spoke of areas of interest and possible collaboration with UB. During the consultation, High Commissioner of India to Belize, Muktesh Kumar Pardeshi guaranteed several areas of cooperation with UB, including short term training for Faculty in India and the procurement of engineering equipment for UB’s Engineering Department, via the Government of Belize.

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University of Belize INSIGHTS

President Speaks at NATS

(L-R) Mr. Andrew Harrison, Chief Agriculture Officer; Mayor Khalid Belisle; Male Farmer of the Year, Gary Canto; Female Farmer of Year, Maria Flowers; Junior Farmer of Year, Santiago Gutierrez; Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries, the Environment, Sustainable Development and Immigration, Sen. Hon. Godwin Hulse and Professor Emeritus Clement Sankat

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his year the University of Belize was active at the National Agriculture and Trade Show from the very first day where Professor Emeritus Clement Sankat delivered the Keynote Address at the opening ceremony. The President has agriculture at heart and as leader of the National University his address focused on, “Putting Agriculture as a National Priority for sustained growth and competitiveness of Belize and the wellbeing of its farmers and rural communities”.

He also took the opportunity to highlight the role the University is playing: “The University of Belize, of which I am its new President, has had a rich history of Agricultural training in Belize beginning with the establishment of the Central Farm Training School in 1953. Its place in the UB is now cemented as over the last 7 years it has produced graduates at the Associate Degree level in Agriculture, has cultivated 8590 acres of grain, 7 acres of fruits/vegetables and 8000 squared feet of greenhouse space.

Its philosophy about training our students in agriculture by doing “learning through doing” is a model worthy of annulations in other Institution programs at the Certificate, Associate and Degree levels in a tiered manner and to support such programs beyond the Central Farm, Cayo District and into the Toledo and Corozal Districts for example.

New programs in Post-Harvest Technology,

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Food Science and Technology, Agribusiness Management and Marketing will be central to our future thinking. “ He reminded the audience that planning is important in order to increase our food and agriculture production in Belize. He concluded by inviting everyone to work together including UB, “in Belize, Vision must be transformed into Action.

We at the UB with your partnership and support and good-will, will work to fulfil this Vision for Belize’s Food & Agricultural Sector! All of the Caribbean will be winners.”

April-December

UB President partakes in Entrecon 2017

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n November 30, 2017 the President of the University of Belize, Professor Emeritus Clement Sankat took part in the 3rd National Entrepreneurship Convention known as Entrecon which was held under the theme “Connecting Ideas: Creating Opportunities”. The National Entrepreneurship Convention is the leading entrepreneurship event aimed to gather all industry stakeholders, including government, business support agencies, professionals and academia, to discuss trends and challenges facing entrepreneurs in Belize.

The President was a part of the third Panel that was entitled “Getting to Know the Entrepreneurial Ecosystem–Education, Mindset and Culture”.

Education as a key pillar for Entrepreneurship development. He was the moderator for the final panel of the day which was entitled “How Do We Build an Innovative and Effective Entrepreneurial Ecosystem in Belize”. Strengthening industry support, institutional articulation, mind-set/ culture, financing, and educational system.

President Sankat emphasizes that, “The University of Belize is transforming itself, its programs and its graduates to better meet the needs of the Belizean society in problem solving, creativity, innovation, wealth creation and entrepreneurship. He emphasized the work that Staff and students are

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doing in the area, especially in FMASS and FST. The recent expos are testimony to this creativity.”

Entrecon is organized and implemented by the Belize Trade and Investment Development Service’s (BELTRAIDE) Small Business Development Centre, Belize (SBDCBelize), along with key partners and stakeholders in the Entrepreneurial Ecosystem.

This year’s theme “Connecting Ideas: Creating Opportunities” seeks to explore the dynamics of the Entrepreneurial environment in Belize by advocating important topics such as Access to Financing, and Education and Culture.

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University of Belize INSIGHTS

UB 1st “President’s All-Inclusive Endowment Fete”

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n Sunday, September 17, UB formally joined the Independence month celebrations calendar with the “1st UB President’s AllInclusive Endowment Fete” which rocked the roof of the Bird’s Isle in Belize City.

“The University of Belize Development & Endowment Fund” was recently established to assist students across the country with scholarships and bursaries and for other capital development at the country’s National University.

The financial struggles of students’ families are many and the University of Belize (UB) President Professor Emeritus Clement Sankat has begun this fundraising drive, including this celebratory event in Belize City.

The “Belize-Trini” Affair as it was billed, featured the millennial generation sounds of Belize’s Super G and Soca Queen Ernestine Carballo alongside Trinidad’s “Crazy” for a truly old school flavor with his classic single “Nani Wine” and Tobago’s Oscar B, an alumna of the 90’s Byron Lee and the Dragonaires. All artists were backed up by the diverse and talented Gilharry 7 band. The concert provided an opportunity for the public, students, UB alumni, the business sector, professionals, diplomats, members of the diaspora, along with

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UB’s faculty and staff to interact and have a great time together.

The all-inclusive fete started at 3:00 p.m. and ended a little after 9:00 p.m., with food and drinks for all, brought a new dimension to Belize’s entertainment scene and happily raised the bar here. It is expected that this will be an annual event in Belize’s Carnival/Independence celebrations. The Fete was also graced with the presence of the Governor General of Belize Sir Colville Young. Honorable Patrick Faber who is the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Youth, Sport and Culture and Chairman of the National Celebrations Committee was also in attendance. Calypsonian Crazy was quite a hit, as he sang his thoughtful calypso “In Time to Come” and got much applause as he predicted that “Belize will have a female Prime Minister.” The Belizean lineup included Supa G and Ernestine Carballo.

The private sector of Belize including Travellers Liquors with the famous One Barrel Rum and Bowen & Bowen with Belize’s National Beer, Belikin came to the support of UB. Other sponsors included Scotia Bank, Love Fm, Best Western Plus Belize Biltmore Plaza Hotel, Belize Tourism Board and El Guardian Newspaper.

April-December

President Meets Administrators, Faculty and Staff: Transformational Plan 20172022

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resident Clement Sankat met with Administrators and Staff during the months of October and November. The presentation for Central Campus in Belmopan, Central Farm and Toledo Campus where The President outlined some of the challenges affecting the University, but also the opportunities ahead. The meeting heard from many Administrative Leaders on their big, transformational plans and also received comments from Staff present.

In Belmopan, President Sankat had a very engaging session with members of Faculty, including the President of the Staff Association – Ms. Isabel Bennett, Faculty Representative on the Board – Dr. Maxine McKay, the Vice President and Director of Human Resources and several other academic colleagues. The President shared his thoughts and received very good feedback on three pressing matters affecting UB and its Staff and Faculty.

These matters were:(1) The mandatory retirement age (2) The current policy on retired/rehired personnel (3) Faculty contracts for current and new employees.

The President indicated that the first and second items were at the level of the Board of Trustees of UB and he shared the feedback received in the meetings, at the Board of Trustees meeting on December 20, 2017.

With respect to the last item, it was agreed that some more time was needed to get thoughts together on contract durations for existing Faculty, a most pressing matter in an academic institution. The group will therefore reconvene to further deliberate on this particular matter and establish a fair way forward for implementation.

An additional item discussed was the pressing need for UB to establish a Pension Fund. Many interesting perspectives were shared on this. The President appointed a small Committee chaired by the Human Resource Director, to develop the parameters only for such a plan.

In all of the meetings the President emphasized the urgency for the transformation of University

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of Belize to bring it in line with the expectations of a contemporary university in a small developing society. At these meetings the deans all presented some of their major transformational project with most focusing on undergraduate and even graduate education and training. The President indicated his enthusiasm for what has been presented and looks to the support of all faculty and staff to make these things happen. As he indicated in his presentations our watchword must be “EXECUTION!”.

The President demonstrated to all faculty and staff the immediate financial challenges the institution faces. We will work together to bring creativity and thoughtfulness to overcome these.

The President indicated his deep distress with the state of our infrastructure and facilities especially in the aging physical plant in Belize City. This is a very pressing challenging issue as he feels for the students, faculty and staff that are occupying these facilities. This does not uplift UB’s image.

He is willing to listen to suggestions on how we can go from here. Faculty and staff are invited to email their ideas and suggestions to transformationalplan@ub.edu.bz.

The President thanked all who attended and contributed in a very thoughtful manner. He indicated this was all in the spirit of transformation and sustainability that we are all urgently seeking for our National University.

The Transformational Plan 2017-2022 was approved by the UB Board of Trustees on December 20, 2017.

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University of Belize INSIGHTS

A Transformational Leap for the University of BelizeVision 2022: Prologue

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his is a moment of change at the University of Belize. A time to leap to another level.

This Institution, as the National University, must fulfill its promise and with this the hopes and aspirations of thousands of young Belizeans, now and in the future, for a better quality of life through a University education and an experience that is fulfilling as it is memorable.

Successful Universities today are like many businesslike, winning enterprises – reaching out and responding, connecting with their stakeholders, being relevant as well as being responsible to their societies. Our “4 Rs” as I have dubbed it.

As you go through this SMART Plan, I hope you will discern the major elements of this leap – moving our taught programmes from Associate Degrees to Bachelors and Masters; creating new ones in the areas of the Sciences, Engineering, Health, Agriculture, Education, the Creative Arts, as in Business and Entrepreneurship. We will be interrogating Belizean research questions through the initiation of Masters and Doctoral Degrees for exceptional students. Putting research and publication as a cornerstone of this University, thereby fostering a more scholarly and impacting University is a priority. We will tell Belize and the world what we do so that they will invest in our future. Maximising the potential of technological usage to reach out to Belize while creating efficiency is an important thrust. Our ecosystem at UB , including our infrastructure, will be “student and faculty/staff centred” as it is inspiring.

We will be creative, innovative and entrepreneurial, seeking out partnerships, all necessary for this to succeed. But all of Belize, students/parents/ guardians, The Government, the Business Sector, the NGOs and the International community must come to our support - the National University must be seen as a priority in this nation’s advancement, as without firstly the high level human talent, Belize cannot maximize it’s capability. Hence, new financial injection into this university is the number one priority for us to succeed.

Visioning and planning are critical to shaping a new future, and these first steps have now been accomplished by this UB Team. Thanks to all. But

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staying focused and execution have bedeviled us in the Caribbean, hindering our advancement.

The UB over the next five years and beyond, will demonstrate to all, the capacity to be bold, not afraid to take measured risks, and to live this plan which energises us to execute and win.

I close with the wise Mayan words “If you change nothing, nothing will change”. I am adopting this as your President and once again, “Let Us Build UB Together”.

April-December

SPORTS FOR DEVELOPMENT

Black Jaguars are the ATLIB Volleyball Champions 2017

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he ATLIB Volleyball Nationals was held October 28th 2017. The University of Belize won the male competition and the females came in second. The Black Jaguars won their opening match against the home court favorite Saint John’s Junior College easily by the score 2521 and 25-17. Next they defeated Centro Escolar Mexico Junior College 23-25, 25-13 and 15-8. This game had to be decided in 3 sets as the Black Jaguars’ rookies were unable to win the first set.

The Lady Black Jaguars also advanced to the finals by defeating Ecumenical Junior College 25-13 and 25-16. In the finals, despite losing the first set 19-25 our Lady Black Jaguars fought back from 8 down to win the second set 25-23. The thrilling third set

saw our Lady Black Jaguars fall short 13-15.

UB Black Jaguars Represents UB in Mexico

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he UB Black Jaguars Basketball Team visited the Universidad Juárez Autónoma de Tabasco (UJAT) to attend the “Encuentro Deportivo Copa Rios 2017” in Tabasco, Mexico on September 1, 2017. The team participated in two exhibition games against the UJAT Juchimanes and attended training clinics by former NBA coach Bob Mackinnon on September 02 and 03, 2017. They were accompanied by Coach Darren Bovell and Recreation and Sports Coordinator Mr. Stanley Humes.

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The Black Jaguars Basketball team members who represented UB were: Raluni Bernardez, Baptist Dedro, Gabriel Hyde, Kennion Moreira, Orson Moreira, Javier Rosado, Francis Sabal, Raheem Sacasa, Justin Usher and Cesar Vasquez

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University of Belize INSIGHTS

THE SPIRIT OF GIVING

UB Awards First President Scholars’ Scholarship to Dianera Shol of Toledo

(L-R) CEO Jose Alpuche, Hon. Godwin Hulse, Dianera Shol, Prof. Emeritus Clement Sankatand Dr. Gordon Holder

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he University of Belize (UB) under the leadership of Professor Emeritus Clement Sankat has established a UB President Scholars’ Program Scholarship for students who excel academically. The first award was given on Wednesday, September 13, 2017, to Ms. Dianera Shol at the Central Farm Campus of the University. Ms. Shol, who is from San Pedro Columbia, Toledo is pursuing an Associate Degree in Applied Agriculture. The scholarship gives her the opportunity to complete the Associate degree in two years including a three hundred dollars ($300) book grant per semester.

Ms. Shol was formally recognized in a small ceremony accompanied by her classmates, faculty and staff as well as the Campus Administrator, Dr. Gordon Holder, of Central Farm Campus and Dean

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of Student Affairs Dr. Jean Perriott. Professor Clement Sankat congratulated Dianera and expressed his interest in assisting more students.

Special guests included Senator Hon. Godwin Hulse, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Forestry, the Environment and Sustainable Development and Immigration and Mr. Jose Alpuche, Chief Executive Officer in the Ministry of Agriculture.

Sen. Hon. Hulse addressed the students and encouraged them to continue in their field of food and agriculture and contribute to Belize’s development. He emphasized the importance of agribusiness development and marketing.

18 year-old Dianera Shol has completed her first semester in her Agriculture Program. Her decision to pursue agriculture as a major was because she wanted to use her intellect to do something extraordinarily different. She is extremely grateful to President Sankat and the University of Belize for the opportunity to pursue her dreams to become an Agricultural Engineer. Ms. Shol is the first in her family to attend the University of Belize.

Professor Sankat’s vision is to expand the scholarship program so that more students who excel academically can attain higher education at UB. It is with this in mind that the University hosted the First President’s All Inclusive Endowment Fete. The proceeds of the fete went towards the Scholarship Endowment Fund.

April-December

UB Awards Scholarships to 45 Student – Athletes

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his year, forty-five students received UB Black Jaguars Student - Athletic Scholarships.

The group comprised 17 (38%) females and 28 (62%) males. Twenty (20) are returning athletes.

The average GPA for the 2016-2 semester for these returning students was 2.84 with ten (10) of these students having a GPA of 3.0 or above. They are: Kandice Broaster Nathaniel Castillo Lirisi Cayetano Kafira Gill G’Anne Humes Alwin Mahung Ronaldo Orellana Tivi Ramos Kenroy Wagner Jolene Williams The Black Jaguars Student-Athlete Scholarship Program is funded by the University of Belize and has been in existence for the past ten years.

The scholarship caters for students who excel in both academic and athletic skills. This year the University awarded scholarships in the following disciplines: Basketball, Football, Volleyball, and Canoeing. These students come from across all faculties majoring in both Associate and Bachelor levels such as Accounting, Business, Management, Biology, Mathematics, Medical Laboratory Technology, Pharmacy, Information Technology, English, Nursing, Mathematics & Physics, Biology and Chemistry, Mechanical and Electrical

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Alwyn Mahung signs the scholarship agreement

Engineering and Natural Resources Management.

All scholarship recipients have signed their contract agreements which include stipulations for upholding the Student Code of Conduct, abiding by all UB’s rules and regulations, being great UB ambassadors, maintaining academic excellence, and providing institutional and community service.

The Department of Student Affairs and the scholarship recipients, particularly the first generation university student athletes, thank the University of Belize for affording them the opportunity to continue their studies.

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University of Belize INSIGHTS

HUMAN RESOURCES SECTION

UB Welcomes Vice President Dr. Mariot Simon

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he University of Belize is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Mariot Simon as Vice President reporting to the President on Academic Affairs.

Dr. Mariot Simon graduated from the H. Wayne Huizenga School of Business and Entrepreneurship with a Doctorate in Business Administration with a specialization in International Management. He also holds a Master’s in Business Administration and a Master’s in Agricultural Economics. He has extensive experience in economic development,

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emerging sectors development, export market development and international marketing. He worked for the Government of Trinidad and Tobago in that country’s national economic development agency where he worked in export marketing, industrial development and investment promotion. He also managed a World Bank funded grant programme aimed at increasing the export competitiveness of businesses.

Dr. Simon migrated to the United States in 2003 and pursued his doctoral studies where he graduated from Nova Southeastern University in 2008. On completion of his doctoral studies, Dr. Simon worked with Strayer University, initially in the capacity of full time lecturer and then as a Dean. Dr. Simon taught at both the undergraduate and graduate levels in business, economics, management and leadership. As a Dean, Dr. Simon has extensive experience in academic leadership.

He developed new policies and procedures at his campuses to streamline operations to increase efficiencies. He was the Dean at multi locational campuses and ensured that quality education was delivered to students. He continuously strives for excellence in delivery of the educational product and focuses on excelling in the provision of customer service to various publics.

Dr. Simon has an avid research interest in small and medium enterprise management and development, international trade, leadership, entrepreneurship and international strategy. Dr. Simon is currently pursuing studies in Christian Apologetics. He is a U.S. citizen and a native of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.

April-December

UB Welcomes ICT Director, Mr. Abdulaziz Sanderson

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he President of The University of Belize welcomes Mr. Abdulaziz Sanderson as Director of Information Technology. After graduating from the University of Belize with a Bachelor’s Degree in Information Technology (Cum Laude) he was determined to do his second degree as soon as possible. A year into his new job he decided to pursue his Master’s online at Southern New Hampshire University in order to complete it as soon as possible. Mr. Sanderson graduated with a Master’s Degree in Data Analytics (Summa Cum Laude).

Mr. Sanderson shared, “I have looked at myself as a person who would push to get ahead and complete any objectives which are set before me. I started my first degree rather late in life but half way through my degree I was given a job opportunity.

I did not shy away and completed both objectives successfully. One was to finish my degree and the other to finish the project, which I had accepted.

Family life suffered at times during the year and a half as I worked and studied but I handled both with good reviews. Those two experiences concreted that I am willing to do what it takes to complete the objectives that are set for me.”

Mr. Sanderson is originally from the Commonwealth of Dominica and has been a resident of Belize for almost 10 years. His previous work experiences include; Organization of American States - Belize IT consultant, tasked with the setup of equipment, network, software and training for Registries/Vital Statistics Offices in Grenada, St. Kitts and Belize; SD CUBE - Project manager and; Tropic Air - Software Technician where he designed and maintained Pilots data entry & amp and operation scheduling.

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Mr. Sanderson enjoys sports and has participated in different basketball and football leagues as a player and as a coach. He believes that life is about balance and in order to be happy and live a long successful life one must be able to balance work while you get the job done, play sports while you try to stay in shape and win. Mr. Sanderson emphasized that you should maintain family since they are the back bone of your life and the Almighty who permits one to live and guides to success or failure.

Mr. Sanderson is stationed at the Belmopan Campus but provides ICT services with his team to all UB offices. His primary functions include, the development of ICT strategies and policies, management of the implementation, support and maintenance of UB’s ICT infrastructure, ensuring that ICT policies are aligned with UB’s strategic plan.

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University of Belize INSIGHTS

UB Welcomes Wellness Nurse Rosa Thompson

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rofessor Emeritus Clement Sankat and the rest of UB team welcomed a new Wellness Center Nurse at the Belmopan Campus, Mrs. Rosa E. Thompson. Nurse Thompson is a Registered Nurse with 15 years of experience. She loves her work and seeing people being healthy.

She has worked in various countries, enjoys exploring and gaining new experiences.

“I am very excited to serve the UB community,” Nurse Rosa Thompson said.

Her schedule is as follows: Monday & Thursday – 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Tuesday & Wednesday-10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Friday – 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Some services Nurse Thompson provides includes assessments, screenings, Educational Sessions(diabetes, nutrition, pregnancy etc.), seminars and care plans. So far most of the cases Nurse

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Thompson has seen are for headaches and upset stomach. She believes this is due to high level of stress, insufficient sleep and minimal water intake. Nurse Thompson plans to circulate more articles to promote healthy living to minimize ailments.

April-December

PICTURES TELL 1000 WORDS

Wellness Day

FEA Math Fair

RND IT Conference

Handbook Launched

RLC Students Orientation

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RLC Variety Show

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University of Belize INSIGHTS

UB celebrates 17 years of Empowering the Nation through Education

New Students Orientation

GIS Symposium

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April-December

INsights Magazine Marketing and Communications Department University of Belize Belmopan Central Campus Credits Articles provided by: Professor Emeritus Clement Sankat, Isabel Bennett, Dr. Priscilla Brown-Lopez, Dr. Abel Carrias, Sheena Jackson, Steven Lewis, Dr. Douglas Morrison, Vicky Novelo, Audrey Pascascio, Ewart Robateau, Joseph Sampson, Jose Sanchez, Trudy Joseph-Swaso, Sean Sebastian, Dr. Stephanie Seneff, Dr. Somanadevi Thiagarajan, Dr. Thippichety Thiagarajan Photos: Professor Emeritus Clement Sankat, Sheena Jackson, Dr. Latha Thomas, Jose Sanchez, Nectaly Vela Editor-in-Chief: Denise Robinson Graphic Design and Layout: Nectaly Vela Contact Information communications@ub.edu.bz +501-822-3680 ext 236/202/223 www.ub.edu.bz

2017

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