Belize Proposes Record Budget Focused on Health, Roads, and Clean Energy

The Budget Debate is wrapping up at this hour in Belmopan.  It was a 3-day event at the George Price Center where a lackluster debate was seen with a weak opposition from the opposition.  The Briceno administration proposed to spend big in the upcoming fiscal year, with a record-setting budget focused on key areas like health and infrastructure.  Its plan is to bring in $1.74 billion in money and aid, which is a 6% increase from last year. This extra cash is coming from better tax collection and a significant boost in international grants.  Meanwhile, total spending is set at $1.78 billion. A large chunk, $528.8 million, will go towards major projects and investments – the highest amount ever for Belize, making up 30% of the budget.  These big investments will target healthcare, including the nationwide launch of the National Health Insurance (NHI) program; education; infrastructure with significant road upgrades planned, and renewable energy with over 300 million is earmarked for clean energy initiatives.  Prime Minister closed off the debate saying it is beyond comprehension how the opposition could ever deny the country’s economic progress.

This year’s budget was delivered under the theme, ‘From Promise to Performance’.  We will have more on the budget in tomorrow’s newscast.