The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Natural Resources and Agriculture, Hon. Gaspar Vega on September 5th, presented the land title for the Central Farm Campus (CFC) to the University of Belize.
The presentation was made by the Deputy Prime Minister at CFC during the inauguration of a newly constructed building that will house classrooms and a Soil and Biology laboratory.
In his Keynote Address entitled: “Agriculture: The foundation of our Diversified Economy,” the Deputy Prime Minister said that UB has played an important role in the development of agriculture in Belize; and in this regard, the collaboration between the ministry and UB offers a good template to positively impact development across all districts in Belize.
“We are certain that the training at UB will deliver many new entrepreneurs in agriculture that will become excellent employers,” he said. “These new facilities for UB will also increase your capacity and we look forward to your new students and graduates actively participating in the job of revitalizing the agriculture and food sector.”
The Deputy Prime Minister concluded that his ministry will also make available farm land to the two top graduates from UB’s agriculture programme as a way to stimulate the growth of the agricultural sector.
Speaking to the gathering, Campus Administrator, Dr. Gordon Holder remarked that CFC graduates have distinguish themselves as farmers, agribusiness entrepreneurs, technicians and professionals for the agro-industry due to relevant skills training and competencies acquired at CFC.
He added, that the two-storey ferro concrete building will not only complement the ongoing transformation of the campus as a living laboratory of a self-sustainable farm, but will also serve as a catalyst to foster and enhance growth and development of the agriculture sector through its training programs which will be expanded by the establishment of a Bachelor’s program.
“The building was constructed at a cost of $90,000 with funds raised by the Central Farm Campus for the building materials,” said Dr. Holder. “It was built by carpenters, field staff and students of CFC”.
The President, Dr. Fraser in thanking the Deputy Prime Minister for transferring the land title to the University, indicated that UB’s training program would encourage a focus on expanding rural incomes and productivity increases in the agricultural sector.
Receiving the land title from the Deputy Prime Minister was the Chair of the Board of Trustees of the University, Mrs. Imani Fairweather-Morrison. Also present at the inauguration were other Members of the Board, government officials, students, faculty and stakeholders.
