On Friday, we reported that the government has decided to increase UB's subvention by $1.1 million dollars to $8.7 million, even though the union was asking for a full restoration of $10 million.
The media asked Usher why only the $1.1 million increase. Here's what he said.
Henry Charles Usher, Minister of Public Service:
"I think that the question that should be asked is what total is the government giving to UB because in addition to the subvention, government is providing assistance to students which goes directly to the University of Belize's account. I think the last fiscal year, the assistance totaled 5 million, or close to 5 million dollars so in reality it was close to $12.5 million which was what the University of Belize was receiving directly from the government of Belize being the subvention and the assistance to students. The increase of the subvention now does not affect the assistance to the students so you will see an increase there as well, The total amount will be increased so certainly that is what we have to look at."
