Councilor Micah Goodin calls on Minister of Education to place moratorium on fees at University of Belize

Published by BBN Staff at September 11, 2020

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Posted: Friday, September 11, 2020. 10:18 am CST.

By BBN Staff: Belize City Councilor Micah Goodin has issued a statement calling on the Minister of Education, Patrick Faber, to intervene on the situation at the University of Belize.

“At a time when Belizean families are faced with incredibly tough economic times and an uncertain future, it is distressing to see the leadership of the Government-supported University of Belize take draconian measures against its student population as a form of punishment for their inability to pay their programme fees,” Goodin stated.

Goodin, a former student leader himself said that several students have shared copies of letters sent by UB informing that they have been de-registered from their programmes for failing to pay the University and that in order to re-register, they must meet a payment threshold.

Goodin says that since March, the lockdown resulted in the immediate shutdown of the largest employment sector in Belize – the tourism industry.

“Furthermore, from north to south, east to west, major business sectors including the free zones in the north and west, and businesses in general, have been driven to the precipice with reduced business activity,” he added.

The councilor explained that Belizeans are now prioritizing the limited resources available to them.

Goodin also called on the leadership of the institution to demonstrate their “true passion for our young people by formulating a less draconian and humanitarian response to the crisis.”

“I call on him (Minister of Education) to intervene and place a moratorium on the payment of fees for families who are experiencing debilitating financial times,” Goodin urged.

He also called on students, student leaders and student associations to come together and stand for each other.

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