On Thursday, UB’s student body issued an ultimatum: the University of Belize’s Board of Trustees had until noon today to take the possibility of a tuition increase off the table. Well, we can confirm tonight that it isn’t off the table. But, there have been talks. Yesterday the board met with student government leaders at NEMO headquarters in Belmopan. A joint press release from the board and student government says the board agreed to consult with students about any tuition increase. But more consequentially – the board agreed to give a year’s notice before implementation of a tuition increase.

That was the agreement between the board and student government leaders. This evening those students leaders today took the agreement to the student body on the university’s campus in Belmopan. And guess what? It won’t work. Chairman of UB’s Student Government Association Steven Sho told us by phone that students aren’t satisfied.

Steven Sho, Student Assoc. President –UB
“After we read it to them they almost have accepted but on some conditions that need to have been reconsidered. One of the things is that because this is a joint agreement, the paper or the proposals needed to have been signed, that is one of the major recommendations. They needed to have something binding. Secondly, the students wanted that matter on the concept paper to be totally rejected.”

Keith Swift,
“What happens now, do you take back those concerns to the board?”

Steven Sho,
“Yes that is what we will be doing. The Association of Student Government will take these considerations and recommendations back to the board for reconsideration.”

Keith Swift,
“So things aren’t completely settled?”

Steven Sho,
“As we speak, no.”

Keith Swift,
“Is there going to be another deadline?”

Steven Sho,
“At this point in time I wouldn’t be able to give you a deadline. It is something that we are working on and I hope that we can meet soon to make that adjustment and get back to our students.”

This morning Board President Imani Fairweather-Morrison described yesterday’s meeting as “productive.” She says the board had the opportunity to clarify a number of issues which had been misrepresented and that they were able to reach a mutual understanding.