There is an allegedly bogus medical university using the name of Belize
to scam money out of unsuspecting students. It is the University of Central
America and we say scam because while in great detail on its website it provides
information about its course offerings and its facilities – the University
of Central America doesn’t exist. We travelled west today to find out
for ourselves.
Keith Swift Reporting,
Our search for the campus of the University of Central America led us to Warrie
Head at mile 54 on the Western Highway. On its website, the university listed
Warrie Head as its main campus. That was news to Oscar Grijalva.
Keith Swift,
“What exactly is Warrie Head?”
Oscar Grijalva, Caretaker
“Warrie Head is a lodge.”
Keith Swift,
“It’s not a school?”
Oscar Grijalva,
“No.”
Keith Swift,
“This is not the University of Central 
America?”
Oscar Grijalva,
“No it is not.”
Keith Swift,
“So if I told you a school says this is their address, what would you
say?”
Oscar Grijalva,
“Well my reply would be for you to communicate yourself with Global
because they are the persons in charge of the lodge. They would give you better
directions.”
Keith Swift,
“But as far as you know, this is…”
Oscar Grijalva,
“A lodge.”
And Oscar should know because he has lived at Warrie Head for all of his 18
years. His father, Oscar Senior, is the caretaker for the 284 acre property
that can boasts about its palm trees, rows and rows of citrus and large spreads
of pasture upon which horses graze -all against the backdrop of the Belize River.
But while it can boast of those things - there is no library, no labs, or any
sign of a university at Warrie Head – only Oscar and his family since
the lodge has been closed for a year.
Keith Swift,
“What are some of the activities offered here?”
Oscar Grijalva,
“Activities? Well Warrie Head Lodge is an area where you can come
and, it is actually a resort but presently it is not open for the public. It
is closed because they are under repairs so it is closed.”
Keith Swift,
“Is one of the things you can do here study to become a doctor?”
Oscar Grijalva,
“Well it is a university so we can’t study here.”
On its website the school was charging US$100 for applications which
it asked applicants to pay by credit card or money order. The cost for registration
was US$400 and the tuition per semester was stated to be a flat US$5,000.
Warrie Head is owned by John Searle. He was listed on the website as
a member of the University’s board of trustees. He told the Amandala that
he was approached two years ago and declined an offer to establish the university
on his property. And if all of that isn’t enough of an indication, the
Ministry of Education says the school is not registered and never was. The school’s
website http://www.ucamed.com has been taken down.
Email
Print