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UB is currently home to three institutes ranging from environmental to banking and finance, but now it has added a first of its kind: the Belize Policy Research Institute which hopes to influence and inform enlightened policy making in Belize and further sustainable development. The Director told us why it's important:

Dr. Dylan Vernon, Executive Director BELPRI-UB
"Most universities around the world have some sort of public policy institute that would harness the expertise at the university and use that to do research analysis that would impact on national policies like transportation, the economy. And in the case of BELPRI there hasn't been a multi thematic institute at UB. There are others, one in environment, for example. So what BELPRI will be doing is doing a list of priorities, research areas, doing rigorous research in an independent, objective way and developing these into policy papers and recommendations for government. Clearly, we will be talking to government units and departments from the very beginning, but the whole idea is that the recommendations would be taken up by government ministries and improve or even add to the set of policies we have in Belize today."

The institute will execute its mission on four key programme areas: innovative research, engagement and influence, building networks and sustainability. Vernon also spoke about which policies are of high interest to them at present.

Dr. Dylan Vernon, Executive Director BELPRI-UB
"The first two pilots we will be doing is one on regulating money in politics campaign finance regulation. But the difference is we are going to take a deep dive into it and make some recommendations for fit for purpose sort of policy in this area or legislation in this area. The second one we are working on currently is the economy and Belize's independence. But again we are taking a deep dive, how we have done, what we have done, and where we have not done well. And as it is being done by professor Victor Bulmer Thomas, who wrote the Economic History of Belize. And other than these our board the advisory board of BELPRI along with the staff will be developing our thematic areas for the next two years that we are going to be focused on. But already there seems to be things like land in Belize who owns what right now, how can we do public transport better and three do we need a language policy and if yes what would be in it."

Dr. Assad Shoman who was the keynote speaker at today's launch, emphasized the importance of independence for the institute to function properly:

Dr. Assad Shoman, Historian, Belize's Agent to the ICJ
"Instead of moving deliberately and devising and implementing policies, "in synergy with the long term development plan" as the BELPRI promises, rigorous research, sound analysis and meaningful consultations through people-centred approaches that improve policy making and its impact on Belize's sustainable development. Not a moment too soon is BELPRI being created. And I truly hope you see - I'm coming to the end now right - I truly hope that it will be given the independence it needs to do its work. I recall that when I recommended the creation of NICH, the National Institute Of Culture And History I strongly advised that it be made totally independent of ministers and CEO's. It was not, and has suffered accordingly. BELPRI will not succeed if it is not independent, BELPRI will not succeed if it is not independent. Please, ministers, leave BELPRI alone but make sure you have money to continue. Thank you very much."

BELPRI will be based in Belize city. Their office is set to open and begin functioning at the end of April. The advisory board is governed by 8 members.