UBFSU Calls on GOB to Restore Subvention

Among the growing number of unions voicing their discontent with the Briceño administration, the University of Belize Faculty and Staff Union (UBFSU) added their voice in solidarity during Thursday’s National Trade Union Congress of Belize (NTUCB) press conference.

UBFSU called on the government to fulfil its pledge to increase the university’s subvention to $10 million. UBFSU Acting President Julianne Pasos said the current $7.65 million subvention is insufficient to meet the university’s needs and called on the government to restore its pledge to increase funding to $10 million.

“They promised to restore the $10 million subvention and increase that by $1 million every year should they become the government of Belize. They have been in power since 2020, if I’m not mistaken. Ironically, the subvention of the university from 2021 to 2024 has been at its lowest at $7.65 million,” Pasos said.

She added that despite official statements committing to sustainable development and funding increases, the 2025/2026 budget again allocates only $7.65 million with no increase projected.

“Our issue is the government keeps making promises. The subvention is not just something we are calling for; it’s something that the university needs,” she added. “The subvention goes towards the operational costs of the university. Without the subvention, it adds the constraints to the institution.”

Pasos revealed that Belize’s national university is facing serious challenges, including difficulty retaining faculty and staff due to brain drain and uncompetitive salaries.