UB, BDF Forge New Partnership to Train Belize’s Future Leaders
A new partnership between education and national security has taken shape, bringing together two of Belize’s key institutions. The University of Belize and the Belize Defense Force have formalized an agreement aimed at expanding opportunities for both students and soldiers. The collaboration is expected to strengthen academic training within the military while opening doors for young recruits and athletes. Officials say the initiative reflects a shared vision for developing future leaders at home rather than abroad.
Paul Lopez, Reporting
What happens when the country’s top university teams up with its national defense forces? Leaders say it’s a win on both sides. That partnership started taking shape a year ago, when Ministry of Defense CEO Francis Usher reached out to University of Belize President Dr. Vincent Palacio, setting the stage for a collaboration designed to benefit both institutions. Today, those discussions materialized through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding.
Francis Usher
Francis Usher, CEO, Ministry of Defense
“So as we proceeded to flesh out the details, there was one recurring theme, a Belize problem require a Belize solution and that is where we are today, merging two national institutions into a Belize solution.”
The MOU opens the door for Belize Defense Force soldiers to expand their academic training and pursue higher education opportunities, promoting higher learning in national defense.
Jermaine Burns
Lt. Col. Jermaine Burns, Training and Doctrine Directorate, BDF
“One of the biggest programs that we are looking to roll out in our implementation plan is to get our officers trained to a level in defense and security at home, as opposed to going abroad which is pretty expensive, at this institution once we put that program together. Another one of the big programs is to get the youths who are coming through UB through a selection process to recruit them straight out of UB, either to our officer or solider program.”
For the University of Belize, it’s more than just an academic and national security agreement. An opportunity has been created for BDF soldiers to train student athletes and to become scholarship recipients at the university.
Vincent Palacio
Dr. Vincent Palacio, President, University of Belize
“You heard about the enhancement of our sports program. We will have some BDF Officers working with our sports program. We have a very strong sports program here, so partnering in that area. Also in physical fitness here on Campus. What we will do is we will provide scholarships for BDF Officers to come to UB. I mentioned that here at UB, we offer from associates to master’s degree.”
Minister of Defense and Border Security, Florencio Marin Jr., was on hand to sign the agreement. He described the occasion as historic.
Florencio Marin Jr.
Florencio Marin Jr., Minister of National Defense
“This is truly a great day for this country. We have our military leadership joining forces with our academic leadership in this country. I mean, the two institutions that are best in what they work on. So, when you merge them this will help to create future leaders for this country.”
Leaders on both sides say this agreement sets the stage for a long-term push to strengthen skills, discipline, and opportunity nationwide. Reporting for News Five, I am Paul Lopez.
Attention readers: This online newscast is a direct transcript of our evening television broadcast. When speakers use Kriol, we have carefully rendered their words using a standard spelling system.