ub e-bulletin vol 3 issue 8

UB Ebulletin Volume 3 Issue 8 1


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Table of ContentGrowth, Competitiveness and the Energy Revolution in Belize 3

Academics - Innovative Learning Methods

Science is Fun 4

Building With Macaroni 4

Encouraging Entrepreneurs 6

Students Showcase Marketing Skills 7

Qualified Teachers 8

What do you want to be? 8

Women in Literature 9

Business-ready Students 9

Student Engagement – Learning Outside the Classroom

Garifuna Memorial Mass 10

Dr. Iyo Meets with Students 10

UB Observes GIS Day 11

UB Library Shares With Children 11

Diabetes: Raising Awareness 12

RLC Variety Show 12

Personality of the Month – The Artist in Our Midst! 13

Celebrating Cultures 13

Lady Black Jaguars: Basketball Champs 14

Día de Teatro 14

Black Jaguars Shine in Football 14

Pharmacy Club: Relaunched 14

UB Black Jaguars in Semi-Finals 15

Research – Supporting Sustainable Development

Researching on Sea Cucumbers 15

UB Joins With Water Researchers 16

UB a proud participant of the Special Olympics Torch Run 16

2 UB Ebulletin Volume 3 Issue 8 3

Growth, Competitiveness and the Energy Revolution in BelizeThe University of Belize in

collaboration with the Government of Belize and The Caribbean

Development Bank hosted a special presentation by Dr. William Warren Smith, President of the Caribbean Development Bank on “Growth, Competitiveness and the Energy Revolution in Belize”. The event was held on November 20th at 7:00 pm at the Bliss Center for the Performing Arts.

This presentation provided an opportunity for Dr. Smith to share his perspective on an agenda for economic growth for Belize. Dr. Smith who has a doctorate in Resource Economics and Public Policy, commented that Belize faced the future with a wealth of natural and physical resources upon which prosperity and security can be built. His presentation continued to outline recommendations for Belize to achieve sustainable growth; key actions for developing a

resilient and diversified economy; climate proofing key economic and social infrastructure and industry and creating revolution in the energy sector. He concluded his presentation by expounding on the role of the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) and its commitment to continuing to assist Belize in its development efforts. The session concluded with an open plenary where Dr. Smith fielded queries from those in attendance. The session was open to the general public and it saw the attendance of students from the high school and sixth form level as well as many prominent professionals in the field.

CDB President Dr. William Warren delivering his presentation

UB President Alan Slusher thanked Dr. Smith.

(L-R) UB President-Mr. Alan Slusher, Minister, Ministry of Energy, Science & Technology, and Public Utilities (MESTPU)-Sen. Hon. Joy Grant, CDB President - Dr. William Smith, CEO, Ministry of Finance and Economic Development - H.E.

Yvonne Hyde, Chairman, UB Board of Trustees - Mr. Harrisson Pilgrim, and CEO, MESTPU - Dr. Colin Young


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The Engineering Department, Internal Structural Macaroni Competition was held on November 6th and 7th , 2014. Seven teams comprised of

four persons each, participated in the competition. The participants were students from Structures (CIVL2502) and Mechanical Engineering Science (MECH2502) courses. At the end of the competition, the team from the Structures class was victorious.

Congratulations to Keanu Chaplin, James Parham, Ormando Seguro and Carlos Echeverria who formed the winning team.

The winning team will have the opportunity to represent UB in the Annual Structural Competition at the Instituto Tecnologico de Chetumal, in Quintana Roo, Mexico.

Building With Macaroni

The winning team with their sturdy macaroni bridge

The Science Department of the Faculty of Science and Technology (FST) hosted its first Science Open Day and Expo. With the aim of promoting science education the

Open Day and Expo featured information booths on the different disciplines of science including math, biology, engineering, and natural resources management.

The event had the participation of many leading organizations and they each shared information about the importance of science to their fields.

Visitors were able to participate in live demonstrations and hands on experiments that were conducted by the FST students themselves.

Science is Fun

Testing the models.

“The purpose of science education is… to prepare

future generations in forging a sustainable way

of life.” - Dr Pio Saqui, Interim Dean of FST

Chair of the Science Department, Cecy

Castillo, delivering her remarks.

This main objective of this Science Expo is to make the students think critically

by asking “What? Why? Where? When? - Dr. Thippi Thiagarajan

Academics - Innovative Learning Methods


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“Motivate, Encourage, Nurture, Unlock” was the theme for this

year’s Entrepreneurship Symposium hosted by the University of Belize in collaboration with the US Embassy, and BELTRAIDE. The Symposium was held on November 17th, 2014 at the UB Jaguar Auditorium.

UB President, Mr. Alan Slusher, gave the welcoming remarks while Ms. Christine Smith, Director of Belize Training and Employment Centre (BTEC), presented the keynote address. Arturo Montero of Tropical Enterprise spoke to students on his transition from employee to employer.

Established and emerging entrepreneurs were invited to speak on their experiences in an effort to encourage students to explore the benefits of owning their own business. Entrepreneurs present included: Mervin Budram-TAS BELIZE; Ashanti Garcia – Airbender Yoga Studio; Maria Villanueva – Marvilleous Dipping Sauces; Warren Garbutt- Sunny Side Tours.

Belizean artist Melonie Gillet contributed to the discussion with her presentation entitled “Turning Talent into a Business.” It focused on recognizing the potential for the arts to be used as enterprise.

Encouraging Entrepreneurs

Warren Garbutt, Maria Villanueva, Ashanti Garcia, and Mervin Budram at the head table.

UB President, Mr. Alan Slusher

BTEC Director, Ms. Christine Smith Belizean Artist Melonie Gillet


The Faculty of Management and Social Sciences (FMSS) held its Annual Marketing Expo on Tuesday, 18th November, 2014.

The Ramada, Princess and Hotel Casino was the venue for the Expo in Belize City and the Central Campus hosted the students in Belmopan. Both Expos aimed to help students gain real-life experience in creating and marketing a product. The Expo provided the platform for their products to be tested and sold to the general public and be evaluated by experts in the field.

On Friday November 21st, the Small Business Class made presentations on business plans they created for new and existing business ventures. The presentations allowed students to get practical experience and apply the concepts to real life scenarios. Students presented their plans and were also evaluated by a panel.

Students Showcase Marketing Skills


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Qualified TeachersStudents enrolled in the primary

education programme in the Faculty of Education and Arts

(FEA) are required to complete a one-semester internship. In keeping with the University’s mandate to produce students with expertise that meet the national needs the internship component is an integral part of the process of teacher training. It is designed to provide students with the very critical practical skills required to be effective educators by giving them in-classroom practise.

This semester 230 students completed their teaching internship across the country.

Congratulations educators!

What do you want to be?

Teachers at St. Martin Government School in San Martin Village, Belmopan

Gudiel Melgar taught at Our Lady of Gudalupe in

Belmopan

Melanie Calles taught at Kuxlin Ha in Maya Mopan

village, Belmopan

With the aim of giving children ideas for future careers, students of the Faculty of Education and Arts held their bi-annual community

outreach symposiums. The symposiums were held at different institutions in Belmopan i.e. Garden City

Primary School, Our Lady of Guadalupe R.C. Primary School, Kuxlin Ha and at George Price Centre for Peace and Development.

Kudos to the students and lecturer Dr. Thomasine Baker.


Students enrolled in the Bachelor Degrees of Accounting and Management completed their internship where they applied the knowledge they had gained during the course of their study.

Congratulations students!

Women in LiteratureStudents from the Women in Literature class of the Faculty

of Education and Arts (FEA) under the guidance of lecturer Amado Chan hosted the Tenth Annual Women’s Conference

on November 12th, 2014. The guest speaker was Dr. Wilma Wright, Interim Provost, who spoke on the importance of celebrating women in Literature.

The audience was delighted with the various presentations featured. There were short stories, poems, and songs. Presenters included Isabel Lanza, Olivette Ramos, Joanna Magaña, Jacklyn Burns, Virginia Hampton, Felene M. Cayetano, Ivory Kelly, Lucille Mendez, Donna Neal, Ginelle Nembhard, and Alida Sharp.

Business-ready Students

Interim Provost Dr. Wilma Wright

Samantha Moro did her internship at UB.


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Student Engagement – Learning Outside the Classroom

Garifuna Memorial MassA culturally enriching Garifuna mass was held on November 12th, in honor of the recently

deceased national icon Paul Nabor. Nabor, a beloved Parandero, recently died on October 22, 2014. The memorial mass was the first of its kind to be held at the

University of Belize. It was organized by the Association of Student Government in an effort to encourage appreciation for the cultural diversity among the student population. President of the Belmopan Student Government, Eric Sanchez explained:

“…it is a multi-cultural institution and we need to celebrate culture, we need to take in culture and we need to believe in our own culture. It’s like the Garifuna theme says: ‘Let’s not just talk, let the work progress. God before us and we behind him. We believe we need to take a stand in terms of our cultural diversity and just celebrate culture. It is a diverse unique thing and at the University of Belize that is what we believe in.”

Many students appreciated the opportunity to have a new experience and took time out to attend the Mass. They danced to the sounds of Nuru and were treated to a taste of Sahu - a favored cassava porridge drink of the Garinagu.

Dr. Iyo Meets with StudentsInterim Dean for the Faculty of Education and Arts (FEA) Dr. Joseph Iyo took time out to

meet with the most important persons in his faculty - the students. He held meetings in the different campuses where he addressed students about the importance of evaluating

their courses. The meetings afforded students the opportunity to learn about the evaluation process and how the information they provide help administration to improve the academic quality of their Faculty. Students took the opportunity to voice their concerns. The Dean and his team assured the students that their concerns will be duly weighed and will be addressed through appropriate means.


UB Observes GIS DayThe University of Belize participated in the Third

Annual World GIS (Geographic Information System) Day Expo in Belize City held on November 12,

2014. The event was hosted by Total Business Solutions Limited, and showcased exhibitions from various individuals and organizations.

The objective of the Expo was to educate participants on the increasing role of GIS technology in modern society. Participants were treated to informative presentations on GIS technology and equipment and the potential applications for everyday use as well as the growing number of careers that now use geospatial technology.

The University of Belize showcased its mid-semester Story Map Projects, as well as images and videos captured of the UB Campus during the July drone flight.

GIS Lecturer Antonio Cano also facilitated a workshop on November 18, where interested persons had the opportunity to learn about the basics of GIS.

UB Library Shares With ChildrenThe University of Belize Library held another successful Toy

Drive that brought smiles to the faces of forty students of the Kuxlin Ha Primary School in Belmopan.

The students, who were selected by their teachers and principal as the recipients of this year’s Toy Drive, visited the Central Campus Library, where they were treated to lunch and a special gift handed out to them by Santa Claus himself!

The annual Toy Drive, which is conducted by the University of Belize Library, was a successful effort through the collaboration of faculty, staff and students. The library would like to take this opportunity to thank all members of the community who contributed to this great cause.

Collectively, We Succeed!Happy Children with their gifts.


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Diabetes: Raising AwarenessStudents from the Faculty of Nursing, Allied Health, and Social Work (FNAHSW)

commemorated Diabetes Day on Thursday November 13th, 2014. The focus of this year’s activities was to inform students about the disease and to raise awareness of the need

to live a healthy lifestyle that reduces the risk of developing diabetes.

A fair was held where FNAHSW students informed their peers about preventative measures and treatment of the disease. At the fair several services were provided free of cost. These included: glucose testing, diabetic medication counseling, body fat analysis, HIV testing, and foot care information.

Every year the Regional Language Centre holds a variety show where students enrolled in the English as a Second Language Programme showcase what they have learned in a fun way. After the show they proceeded to exchange gifts in the traditional KK.

RLC Variety Show


Personality of the Month – The Artist in Our Midst!The drawings that adorn the Scarlet

Macaw, Jabiru Stork, Coatimundi and Hummingbird buildings are a integral

part of the University aura. What most may not know is that one of UB’s students dedicated his time and enegy to create the beautiful artwork. His name is Salvadore Mesh and he is enrolled in the Natural Resource Management (NRM) Program.

Salvador started painting around 2009 and describes himslef as an artist with a preference for pencil drawings. With no professional training in painting he volunteered to renovate the paintings on the buildings as his contribution to the campus beautification project. He graduates this semester with a Bachelor ‘s Degree in Natural Resource Management.

We thank him for his contribution and take this opportunity to wish him all the best in his future endeavors!

We also make an appeal to our students who may have such hidden talents to volunteer to help make UB a beautiful place. TOGETHER WE CAN DO IT!

Celebrating Cultures


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Pharmacy Club: Relaunched

Día de Teatro

Black Jaguars Shine in Football

Lady Black Jaguars: Basketball Champs

Students from the Advanced Spanish classes performed several Spanish dramas on December 11, 2014.

Our Black Jaguars have been competing in the First Division Football Competition, and are now at the Semi

Finals. They have played the first leg of the of the semi-finals against San Martin F.C. and tied 1-1. Asrel Sutherland scored for the Black Jaguars.

The Pharmacy Club was relaunched in November. The mission of the club is “Working together in preparation to

serve the nation in the field of pharmacy.”

Judith Lopez is the President of the Club.


Research – Supporting Sustainable Development

The Faculty of Science and Technology (FST) colloquial series showcased the research of Dr. Arlenie Rogers on the Sea

Cucumber Fishery in Belize on November 26, 2014. Dr. Rogers presented findings of two of her studies on the Socioeconomics of the Fishery and Density, Abundance and Distribution of the species fished in Belize. She also encouraged students to volunteer to learn from her current research on the Reproductive Cycle of Holothuria Mexicana.

Dr. Rogers is an Assistant Professor in the Science Department and Marine Research Fellow at the University of Belize’s Environmental Research Institute (ERI). Dr. Rogers has been studying Sea Cucumbers in Belize since 2011. She works in close collaboration with the Belize

Fisheries Department and Sea Cucumber fishermen in Belize. Her research findings aim to guide management of the Sea Cucumber fishery.

Dr. Rogers took time to acknowledge the University’s commitment to supporting research efforts. She noted the support of Environmental Research Institute (ERI) who with funding from the Oak Foundation awarded her the research fellowship. She was also very appreciative of the time granted by the Science Department to do research.

Researching on Sea Cucumbers

UB Black Jaguars in Semi-FinalsOur Black Jaguars have been competing

in the First Division Football Competition, and are now at the Semi Finals. They

have played the first leg of the of the semi-finals against San Martin F.C. and tied 1-1. Asrel Sutherland scored for the Black Jaguars.

if they are victorious in the second leg of the game they will move on the compete for the Championship.

A sea cucumber


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Lecturers from the Faculty of Science and Technology (FST) attended the International Reunion-

Seminar for Researchers in Water. This Reunion-Seminar was hosted by RISAF member, the Centre for Research and Higher Education in Social Anthropology (CIESAS) at San Cristobal de Las Casas, Chiapas, Mexico during December 2-4, 2014.

The Natural Resource Management and Marine Biology Program Lecturers, Mr. Joaquin Magaña, Mr. Josue Aké, and Mr. Jair Valladarez, represented the University of Belize.

UB took the opportunity to actively participate, representing Belize’s research on promoting national research in water resources and trans-boundry watersheds in collaboration with research centres in southern Mexico and neighbouring Central American countries (Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras).

The RISAF is a regional network for researchers that promote research on water on the Mexico-Guatemala-Belize border to influence public policy. It also aims to coordinate efforts and building bi or tri-national research, in the six trans-boundary watersheds that the three countries share.

UB Joins With Water Researchers

(L-R) Joaquin Magaña, Jair Valladarez, and Josue Ake from the NRM Program

UB a proud participant of the Special Olympics Torch Run

the Special Olympics Belize (SOBz), an affiliate of Special Olympics International (SOI) along with the Belize Police Department conducted a Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) on Friday December 5, 2014 through the City of Belmopan.

The LETR, is an event where the “Flame of Hope” is taken from one point to another by Law enforcement and members of SOBz. Chief of Security at UB and Captain (Retd.) Jerome Ellis, received and carried the torch through the University campus.

This year the national games associated with this torch run were held in Belmopan on on the same day at the Governor General Field. The games provide sporting activities and competition in a variety of Olympic type

sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities living in Belize.

Mr. Ellis proudly carrying the torch

ub e-bulletin vol 3 issue 8

Documents

ub joins

ub black jaguars

r ub president

william smith

energy revolution

government of belize

ub library shares

ub board of trustees