They marched with the NTCUB on Saturday, and they marched again today, only this time it was in Belmopan. The University of Belize Faculty and Staff Union held a peaceful protest in front of the Prime Minister's office this morning, demanding what they believe is owed to them - the restoration of UB's 10 million dollar subvention. Jomarie Lanza met with the crowd during the march and here's how it went.
Next month one of Belize's oldest tertiary level institutions will complete 25 years since its establishment, but it's been 15 years since its educators and staff have received a salary adjustment. That's what motivated The University of Belize's Faculty and Staff union to hold a peaceful march in Belmopan this morning, clamoring for GOB to reinstate it's 10 million dollar subvention. Their president says that the monies they have been missing out on are not solely for their benefit, but for the students and institution as well.
Juliane Pasos, UBFSU President
"Last year we called out the government on their promise and they put out a press release saying that it was due to Covid they could not live up to that but they promised that in this budget, in the budget for this fiscal year they would increase it. And the budget was read and there is no promise for increase and so we the union called out the government on this as well so that they can live up to their word what they promised."
"If you haven't had a salary increase in 10 years and they promised you a 9% and they told you they will not give it to you unless, you will make sure that unless? Is there is an answer to that unless and so I believe that the faculty and staff will push for it until they get it and so in terms of classes we hope that, and we call on our students to be understanding the increase in subvention is for all of us because if we can improve the university we can improve it for our students out faculty and our staff."
The small crowd marched from Governor General field to the Prime Minister's Office near the national assembly building, holding up signs in hopes of getting a glimpse of the PM.
Protestor
"Its not a salary increase because in this country no one gets salary increases anymore except a couple few selected people. You get a salary adjustment because you need to adjust your salary to the cost of living that is happening in this country. You already know when you go to the grocery store a $100 is not a $100 anymore when you take home your stuff."
Protestor
"Stop with the promises just to get a vote during election, stop it and start paying and start paying people who really work hard."
But though the PM did not appear, the former Minister of Education and former minister of state did. We asked them if the cabinet will deliver what the UBFSU is asking for.
Francis Fonseca, Former Minister of Education
"What I can say for the record is that this government and this ministry of education has provided unprecedented support to UB. In addition to the subvention that they get we provide over 5 million dollars a year in assistance to the university which is used to pay salaries which is used to provide support to students so unprecedented, unprecedented support. More money is going to UB under this government than ever before that is the fact."
Louis Zabaneh, Former Minister of State in Education
"Listen, UB is very close to my heart so we will do what we got to do."
Reporter
"Does that include delivering on the subvention?"
Louis Zabaneh, Former Minister of State in Education
"Well we will have to discuss it at cabinet that is the idea for everyone to be here to let cabinet hear the voice of the people especially our hard working faculty at UB so we will see how it goes."
And if things don't go as the UBFSU hopes, what will be the next step for them? Pasos says that it all depends on what moves the university's administration and board will make.
Juliane Pasos, UBFSU President
"Well the next step, our salary is not the responsibility of the government of Belize our salary is the responsibility of the UB administration and the UB board of trustees so if the subvention does not come forth then we call on the board of trustees to find the money to pay the salaries."
