UB Union Slams PUP Over Broken Funding Promises

The University of Belize Faculty and Staff Union (UBFSU) is the latest union to come out swinging against the Government of Belize.

The union is voicing its disappointment with the People’s United Party (PUP), accusing the government of failing to deliver on promises made to the national university.

The UBFSU’s statement pointed to the PUP’s previous condemnation of the United Democratic Party (UDP) for slashing the university’s subvention by 24.2%, reducing it from $11 million to $8.34 million. At the time, the PUP had criticized the move as “misguided and counterproductive,” especially given the university’s critical role in Belize’s educational and national development.

The PUP had also pointed out that UB’s funding had only increased by $1 million over a decade, despite the country receiving significant financial inflows, including $12 billion in national funds, $450 million from Petrocaribe, and $500 million in oil revenues. The party had pledged to reverse the funding cuts and gradually increase the university’s subvention over five years, promising improved resources, accountability, and educational quality.

However, the UBFSU now says those promises remain unfulfilled. The union expressed “deep frustration” over the continued financial challenges facing the university and the lack of increased funding. It is calling on the PUP to honor its commitments and take immediate action to restore and enhance UB’s financial support.