U.D.P. Leader Calls PM’s Budget Speech “Unimpressive”

Moses “Shyne” Barrow

We also heard from the Leader of the Opposition, following Prime Minister Briceño’s Budget Speech. And, it may come as no surprise that Barrow was not impressed with the Prime Minister’s 2023 budget presentation. Barrow reduced the government’s performance report to what he says is simply a natural rebound from the economic contraction caused by COVID, adding that the Briceño Administration is yet to achieve the level of fiscal performances in certain areas of development achieved under the former U.D.P. Administration.

Moses “Shyne” Barrow, Leader of the Opposition

“When the Prime Minister talks about these growths, you are talking about growth from COVID. That always is omitted. 2020 was the worst year for Belize because of COVID-19, not because of the U.D.P. Administration. SO, the growth is inflated. And, when you talk about inflation, I am still going over the budget to see whether the budget responds satisfactory to inflations. I am happy to hear about public officers being given tickets, but I think there needs to be some office where people can report price gouging, so setting up funding for such an office or finding funding within the public service the pertinent officers that could have an office where people can report price gouging is a direction to go.”