PM Briceño: Belize Receives Minimal Financial Aid from the U.S.

Following his inauguration, U.S. President Donald Trump wasted no time putting his agenda into action, signing a series of executive orders that could affect countries around the world, including Belize.

One significant move by Trump was the suspension of U.S. foreign assistance for the next 90 days, as part of an effort to address what he termed a “cost-of-living crisis” and to reassess financial commitments abroad. Trump also reaffirmed his “America First” stance, continuing policies that prioritise U.S. interests over global partnerships.

While Prime Minister John Briceño says that Belize receives minimal financial aid from the U.S., he believes the country won’t feel significant effects from Trump’s executive orders. “We do not get a lot of financial assistance from the U.S. We were awarded and signed a contract with the Millenium Corporation, MCC. The MCC is a private entity, not a government entity,” Briceño said, despite it being funded by the U.S. government.

Briceño stated that the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) funding was already allocated prior to Trump taking over office.

“When we signed a compact, that money had already been set aside. So, I believe we will be fine. We will still have access to that money. So, whether the MCC will get more funding for signing other compacts in other countries, I hope it could be worked out, because I think the MCC is doing a great job in different countries,” he added.

Additionally, Trump’s administration has decided to replace the U.S. ambassador to Belize with a Chargé d’affaires. When asked about this, Briceño responded, “That is for their country to decide. We have been without an ambassador… It is up to them. We hope they put in an ambassador.” He compared countries like the Bahamas that have also been without an ambassador for years, pointing out that this decision is within the U.S.’s discretion.