7 News Belize

UB New Chmn To Departing Pres: Don’t Let The Door Hit You On The Way Out!
posted (November 14, 2013)
TWO DAYS AGO, we told about the Letter from Dr. Cary Fraser that he is resigning from his post as the President of the University of UB. He hasn't made public given any reason why he's leaving 2 years into his 5-year contract, and it comes as surprise to many at the National University.

But, he's moving on, that's what the Board announced today, when they held a press conference to announce that they are already looking for a suitable replacement - which is a sure indication of what we've reported, that the board is not displeased with his decision to leave early. Today, the Chairman announced that they had to take steps given what information they had:

Harrison Pilgrim, Chair, Board of Trustees, UB
"The President announced at the commencement of a board meeting that he was considering an appointment that would take his away from the university and that if he decided to accept that offer he would be leaving the University of Belize by mid-2014."

"On November 6th, the President wrote to the Prime Minister of Belize and advised him that "I have made the decision that I will leave the University of Belize at the end of the current academic year." that letter was copied to the Leader of the Opposition and to the Minister of Education and the President emailed a copy of the correspondence to the chairman of the board on November 9th."

"The chair met with the President on November 8th in an effort to better understand the statement he had made to the board. At that point the chair was unaware of the letter the President had pen dated November 6th. On November 11th, the chair tabled the President's November 6th letter at a meeting of the administration committee of the board of trustees. The committee received the letter as notice of resignation and triggered action to be initiated to commenced transitioned and recruitment for a suitable replacement for the post."

So, if it seems that there are gaping holes as to why the President is suddenly departing, that's exactly what played out at the press conference, which was opened to the faculty, staff and student body this afternoon. They joined the media in trying to get answers out of the Chairman, but in the end, he said a lot without actually saying anything. Here's how he fielded questions from the media about reports that the President didn't perform well, according to their 2 year assessment:

Harrison Pilgrim, Chair, Board of Trustees, UB
"Certainly you will all be aware that employer, employee discussions are not one for public dissemination and it would be very remised of me if I were to at this point discuss the details of that review."

Daniel Ortiz
"One thing that we the media seem to be picking up on is that the fact that this is an issue that all party seem to want to deal with in house and there is an underline current that we are picking up on that there seems to be some issue where the board and the president may be ar odds. Can you reasonably assure us as the media and the nation that the board and the president are currently operating on the same page?"

Harrison Pilgrim, Chair, Board of Trustees, UB
"In any organization, personality and personal differences often exists. However, this board under my chairmanship and the previous board as far as I am aware have maintained cordial relationships with the president."

Hope Amadi, student - UB
"I don't understand the essence of this press conference because apparently I am leaving here with nothing why I am here today to get some information regarding to the President's position."

Harrison Pilgrim, Chair, Board of Trustees, UB
"This university must at all times at least appear to want to engage the constituents in dialogue."

In Frazer's letter to the Prime Minister, he complained he had major plans for the University which couldn't be realized because the Ministry of Education didn't meet its debts to the institution, which he says signals that UB is a very low priority.

He also had criticism for the Board. He said, quote, "I am also very concerned that the Board of Trustees of the University of Belize, during the period of August 2011-2013 demonstrated a commitment to micromanagement of the institution that was very troubling to my perspective as President.." End Quote.

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