University of Belize President responds to NTUCB’s concerns over University Hospital relocation decision – Love FM Belize News and Music Power

Godfrey Smith, chair of the University of Belize Board of Trustees, responded to concerns raised by NTUCB chairperson Luke Martinez about moving the university hospital off campus. Smith said he had informed the board of the Ministry of Health because the campus was not suitable. He told Martinez, “A robust discussion ensued and several board directors, including you, made what seemed to me to be strong, intelligent arguments as to why the university hospital should be built on UB land. But the final decision did not rest with UB but with the Ministry of Health and Wellness and the Government of Belize. While we felt strongly about the decision, it was not for us to make.” Smith continued, “I do not think it is within the remit of the board to say what you said ‘(hold) the government accountable for this decision…’ and ‘review the impact of government actions and ensure they are consistent with… good governance.’ That is the responsibility of the media, civil society organisations and the people of Belize.” Smith added that he believed the board should reaffirm its commitment to building the university hospital on UB land and seriously consider a proposal to ask the government to gift the purchased land to the University of Belize.