Local News

Two months after they sat down to test their knowledge in Belize’s Primary School Exams the top 25 achievers were today honoured at a special ceremony at the Princess Hotel in Belize City.  Tying for first place were Jasmine Betancourt of Bernice Yorke Institute of Learning and Rhiki Alegria of Hummingbird Elementary School.  Jasmine Betancourt said that it was discipline and determination that helped her to reach this level of excellence. 

JASMINE BETANCOURT, Top Achiever (PSE)

“My mother set a fix starting time for my homework each day that was none negotiable, 3:00 meant 3:00 not 3:05. The foundation which was instilled with me has made me accustom to doing homework first and then the all-important time to relax and have fun.  My advice to those that are going to take the PSE are as follows, one: don’t just say that you are going to study later, study now or set a specific time to study each day, don’t procrastinate.  Be determined to get the job done.”   

Alegria focused on the current crime wave and expressed hope that if more of his peers strive for excellence, Belize could revert to the once peaceful haven it once was.

RHIKI ALEGRIA, Top Achiever (PSE)

“We are no longer a tranquil haven of democracy but are filled with criminal activity.  These tend to over shadow the greatness that are happening all around us.  However, this group of students here have an opportunity to make a difference, to show Belize that there is a brighter, smarter future, to do the things that are right and to motivate others to want to excel.” 

For the first time in history, Rhiki Alegria and Jasmine Betancourt, along with the 23 other top achievers will receive full scholarships to the high schools of their choice.  This marks a significant achievement for the Ministry as well, as Minister of Education, Patrick Faber, pointed out.  But he shared his opinion that improving the quality of education in Belize is everybody’s responsibility.

HON. PATRICK FABER, Minister of Education

“Better schools, better citizens, better Belize, it’s everybody’s business.  It is our firm belief that we can achieve better education and higher quality of education in this country when everyone takes ownership as responsibility for improving our school.  Indeed improving our communities and improving our country.”

Overall this year, there was a slight improvement on the PSE exams than in recent years.