Dr. Lord Rhaburn and Dr. Said Musa receive honorary degrees from the national university

At Saturday’s graduation ceremony, the University of Belize conferred two honorary doctoral degrees. One of them was awarded to music legend, Gerald “Lord” Rhaburn. The 86-year-old musician, who penned the famous phrase “if yuh baan deh, yuh baan deh”, was hooded at the Belize City Civic Centre with an honorary Doctor of Arts.  

“For his immeasurable contributions to cultural development and preservation the University of Belize is pleased and proud to honor Gerald “Lord” Rhaburn with its highest recognition of cultural contribution to humanity the Honorary Doctor of Arts Degree. We all hail Lord Rhaburn our Calypso King and cultural ambassador. The president is now adorning Lord Rhaburn with the traditional academic regalia worn by PHD’s around the world. And the chairman will complete the task by holding him and then we will actually change the hat.” 

Former Prime Minister, Minister of Finance, Education and Foreign Affairs, Rt. Hon. Said Musa was also conferred an honorary Doctor of Laws. He was hooded days before the event. The former eight-term area representative of Fort George also spoke briefly. 

Dr.Vincent Palacio, President, University of Belize: “RT. Honorable Said Musa we honor you for your lifelong contribution to development here in Belize. We honor you for your contribution in starting the University of Belize. We therefore honor you with an honorary doctorate degree in law. Please accept these investments as a sign of the honor.” 

Rt.Hon. Said Musa, Former Prime Minister of Belize: “I am honored to have been granted this honorary Doctorate in Law by the University of Belize. I want to thank the university, thank you Dr. Vincent Palacio the president and I want to congratulate all the graduates today. You have graduated from a very distinguishing institution the University of Belize and I congratulate you all.” 

Musa was PUP Leader from 1996 until 2008. He retired from politics just before the 2020 elections.