Last night we told you about the plight of America Northwest University - the medical school in Belmopan.
The school has been suddenly put on pause and students are at home - not knowing what's next or if they'll even be able to get transcripts to transfer to another school.
And, parents who have funded their children's education are among those mad and demanding answers.
We spoke with one parent, Marcelo Williams who is frustrated that after making financial investment, there are no answers and no clear way forward:
Marcelo Williams, Father of ANU Student
"I was really surprised like other Belizean parents because It is only now that we have learned that the university license or charter was expired in June of 2024 and not renewed despite our Belizean students, including my daughter, continued to pay tuition and attended the university. That was our major concern. And the concern that we had is the abrupt closure of the institution because the students were extremely concerned about a number of issues, especially non-communication with the students from the university or credible information in regards to their opening for the academic school year. because no student was informed regarding the potential opening of the institution from the management of that institution, especially as we entered 2026. So we wanted to know exactly what was going to be the way forward with the university since our students, including my daughter, did not have answers as to when exactly the school is going to reopen."
Marcelo Williams, Father of ANU Student
"we both come together and pay her tuition at that university. We work very, very hard. to send our daughter to school. Our daughter, her educational inspiration was to become a medical doctor. And that is exactly what she was actually striving for. She was sacrificing for including us, the parents. That school is not cheap at all. It is a very, very expensive university. And we have sacrificed financially to be able to ensure that she goes to school to get a very high quality education. Now, what is going to happen? We have not gotten any credible answers from the university as to what is going to be the way forward. We are very much concerned. Why is the school closing?"
Okay, lastly, can you tell me why is it that you chose to send your daughter to that medical school as opposed to the University of Belize Medical School?
Marcelo Williams, Father of ANU Student
"My daughter's original inspiration was to become an anesthetist. Right? And so what happened is that the University of Belize did not offer that program in Belmopan. They did not offer the program. And so the American Northwest University did offer that program, hence the reason why she decided and we decided to send her there."
When we inquired with the CEO from the Ministry of Education, we were told, quote "The Ministry does not directly notify students regarding charter status."
And tonight there is a statement from Dr. Shah Helmond - who we last night named as the Director of the school. He's the one who sent stern voice messages to students telling them not to say anything.
Well, through his attorney he has issued a statement denying any ownership or management role in American Northwest University or its parent company amid public controversy surrounding the institution. He clarified that the Belize-registered company is owned and controlled by its Dean, Dr. Mohammad Khamis, who has recently been charged in the United States, and that his own involvement was limited to part-time, advisory work as an independent contractor with no decision-making authority.
Dr. Helmond said neither he nor other staff were aware of any legal issues beforehand and addressed a circulated voice recording by apologizing for any perceived harsh tone, stressing there was no intent to intimidate students.
