People United Party Launches Political Manifesto, Plan Belize 2.0, at Falcon Field Park

Last night, the People United Party (PUP) officially launched its political manifesto, Plan Belize2.0. The political event, held at Falcon Field Park in San Ignacio Town, Cayo, showcased the party’s goal for significant improvements and upgrades across various sectors of the country. The launch was attended by the PUP’s thirty-one candidates, who joined Prime Minister John Briceno on stage to present their plans for 2025-2030 if elected to government. The campaign event comes days away from the General Elections on March 12 and sought to convince voters of the party’s commitment to continuing the transformation of Belize. Prime Minister Briceno addressed the crowd, outlining the key priorities of Plan Belize 2.0. geared at addressing crucial issues.

John Briceño, PUP Party Leader: “We know we have a better plan and the better people. Under Plan Belize 2.0 we will complete the rollout of NHI including right here in the Cayo district. We will improve energy security with massive investment in solar energy. We will facilitate the modernization of the Phillip Goldson International Airport. We will transform the Port of Belize that we, the Belizeans, now own. We will rehabilitate and upgrade the entire George Price Highway. And in our second term, we will work with the cañeros to modernize the sugar industry and expand investment in non-traditional agro products. Under Plan Belize 2.0 we will build hospitals in San Pedro, Belmopan, and Punta Gorda. And we will defend our territory. And we will win at the ICJ. Yes, we will raise the minimum wage again so that we can continue the fight against poverty by helping to lower the cost of living. And I know the ladies are going to love this. We will pass laws to make GST weekends permanent for Christmas and for back to school.”

As the party prepares for the next five years, Deputy Prime Minister Cordel Hyde reflected on the party’s work over the past term in government. Hyde underscored that the party believes it has been able to greatly transform the country and recover it from a dire economic situation. 

Cordel Hyde, PUP Standard Bearer, Lake Independence: “It’s about who we are and where we are going and what we are about. Our people are working. They are getting lands. They have access to free education. They are getting NHI. They are starting small businesses. And more and more women are in leadership positions. Crime is going down. Our farmers are looking up. Our soldiers are being treated better. Everybody wants to be a police officer. And teachers and public officers are becoming landowners. Roads have literally been built to the future. You know we haven’t been perfect. We won’t dare tell anyone that we have. But from where we started and where we are now, we’ve come a long way. The great George Orwell once wrote that poverty annihilates the future. The thousands of families getting access to NHI all across this country will never be too poor to access a health care facility. They will be able to live longer, healthier lives, and be far more productive in the modern Belizean economy. The families getting a cement house, moving on up from a broken down house to a beautiful starter house will never be poor. The future is brighter. Our children are doing better. The sky is the absolute limit. The thousands getting house lots will never be poor again. They can take it to the bank or the credit union and get a loan to start a business or send their children to school or build their house or be able to provide for themselves in the event of a medical emergency. We are transferring the wealth that is breaking down generational poverty like never before.”

With its manifesto now officially launched, the PUP is finalizing its campaign efforts for the elections that are less than two weeks away.