Last week on this newscast, Prime Minister Dean Barrow confirmed weeks of speculation when he told us that the University of Belize’s Board had recommended the termination of UB President Santos Mahung. It was news to the University’s Faculty and Staff who say they told us they heard the rumours but got no confirmation from their board. And that is why today – the University’s Faculty and Staff Association today fired off a press release, calling on government and the board of trustees to depoliticize the university. The Association’s President Dr. Isabel Tun explains.
Dr. Isabel Tun, President – UB Faculty and Staff Assoc.
“We know that it is not being transparent or accountable in terms of management. If you yourself Channel 7 ran an interview with the Prime Minister in which we as faculty and staff only heard of allegations officially from the Prime Minister, on that level I mean when I say official, that our current President is under review and that allegations have been made against him as a President in terms of his position. Prior to that we have only been privy to rumours that he might be terminated. As an association we want to ensure that the university in terms of its relationship with the board management and the larger body of the government that procedures, protocols are adhered to. Certainly if we have had about 7 vice presidents, academic/provosts over a ten year period, that would speak of the instability.”
Keith Swift,
“Where do you stand about the future of Dr. Mahung?”
Dr. Isabel Tun,
“We do not know what is the future of Dr. Mahung because we do not know what are the allegations. We would like to know what the allegations are. We cannot make any judgement, project what the case may be if we don’t know what is being alleged.”
Keith Swift,
“Are you guys satisfied with his performance as President?”
Dr. Isabel Tun,
“I can only speak on my level at this point as a lecturer at the University, I have not had a bad experience with him. As an association we are prepared to work in a relationship that is healthy, one that is peaceful, one that is open to rebuilding trust. However that has to be reciprocal, it cannot only be from us, it has to be a neutral working relationship. And to begin with, we would like what to know what is the status in terms of allegations made against the President and when that comes about whether he is retained or whether or not the recommendation is made for firing of terminating and exactly what has brought that about.”
Prime Minister Barrow told us last week that Dr. Mahung has responded to the allegations in writing and the PM will now seek legal advice before making a decision.
