About BelPRI

Welcome to the Belize Policy Research Institute at UB (BelPRI-UB). This page is your gateway to learning more about the institute’s mission, work, and role in advancing policy research at the University of Belize.

Overview

The Belize Policy Research Institute at the University of Belize (formally BELPRI-UB) is an independent public policy think tank committed to producing high quality and accessible research and knowledge that inform and influence the making of public policy toward a more prosperous, just, peaceful and sustainable Belize. BELPRI selects pressing thematic or sectoral policy issues to take through a rigorous process of evidence-based analysis, stakeholder dialogue, policy advocacy and policy monitoring. BELPRI believes that more informed and inclusive policy decision making in Belize will positively impact Belize’s sustainable development. As such, BELPRI operates with the understanding that good policies must serve people, sustain the environment, generate economic growth and promote good governance.

Policy Influence

Even if well done, policy research can have little value without public awareness and policy impact. BELPRI is determined to ensure that its policy research and analysis have the best chance to influence policy decision-making by making its processes inclusive and its products and policy recommendations are easily accessible to all stakeholders: the public, civil society, the private sector and the state’s policy makers. This is done by producing not only policy reports, but also user-friendly summaries, videos and social media content. BELPRI follows up on its recommendations with public seminars and advocacy meetings with policy stakeholders.

Mission

BELPRI is an independent multi-disciplinary public policy institute that produces objective and quality research and accessible knowledge through people-centred approaches that improve policy making and its impact on Belize’s sustainable development.

The establishment of BELPRI is rooted in the University of Belize’s own mission to become a centre of excellence in research that contributes to Belize’s development. Legally, BELPRI currently falls under the University of Belize Act.

Core Values

Independent: Objectivity and impartiality in our research and analysis.

Rigourous: Policy outputs and recommendations based on sound research methodologies, rigorous analysis and peer reviews.

Inclusive: Ensuring that the diversity of Belize is reflected in our work and that no individual, group or political party is favoured or discriminated against.

Innovative: Sharp and cutting-edge in the selection of policy issues, development of policy solutions and their presentation.

Transparent and Accessible: Open, accountable and accessible approaches and products that encourage the participation of all policy stakeholders and the public.

Sustainable: Strategies in place to ensure institutional continuity and financial sustainability.

Advisory Board

BELPRI is governed by an 8-member Advisory Board that includes the President of the University of Belize and the Executive Director of BELPRI as ex officio. and a The other six members come from government, the private sector and civil society. The chairperson of BELPRI is selected from among its membership by the Board for two-year periods. The core function of the BELPRI-UB Advisory Board is to provide policy oversight, to ensure quality assurance and to support outreach.

Chairman, Mr. Henry N. Anderson, CEO of DFC
Ms. Leslie Mendez, Attorney-at-Law
Dr. Vincent Palacio, President UB
Dr. Gilbert Canton, Director at National Gas (Belize) Limited
Ms. Beverly Wade, CEO, Ministry of the Blue Economy
Dr. Colin Young, Director, CCCCC
Dr. Dylan Vernon, Executive Director, BELPRI

Our Staff Team

The work of BELPRI is executed by a small staff led by an executive director. The staff positions include a policy analyst, a research officer, an outreach officer, and administrative staff. For specific projects, the staff can be supported by consultants and research assistants.

Dr. Dylan Vernon, Executive Director
Devon Paulino, Policy Analyst
Jherillee Palacio, Office Manager

Organogram

Reach out to US

Have questions or want to learn more about our work? Reach out to the Belize Policy Research Institute at UB and discover how our research is shaping informed policy and driving national development.