PM Briceño: “I don’t have anymore to comment on that.” 

Last week, over a hundred protesters gathered outside Prime Minister John Briceño’s office in Belmopan to oppose the government’s decision to purchase fifteen acres of land for $6.9 million for a new tertiary hospital. The demonstration, organised by activist Nigel Petillo, saw participation from various trade unions and workers’ associations that criticised the government’s rejection of free land offered by the University of Belize. They argue that the chosen site, located near a sewage pond, poses health risks and represents a misuse of public funds.

Prime Minister Briceño defended the decision, stating that moving the project to a different site would still cost millions due to existing contracts and agreements. He emphasised that the decision was based on technical advice and that all questions regarding the purchase had been addressed. Briceño told reporters, “There’s a contract and any lawyer that’s worth his salt will tell you there’s a contract. Unless if the seller would want to come and say, you know what, I want back my money, even if it’s yours. So I think we have moved on. I think we’ve answered all the questions. The technical people have come on board and explained as to why they prefer that position. So I don’t have any more to comment on that.”

Opposition leader Moses “Shyne” Barrow  has expressed plans to pursue legal action, citing allegations of corruption and questioning the valuation of the land.

Andrew Baird, President of the K.H.M.H. Workers Union, expressed concerns about the suitability of the location and suggested that the funds could be better spent on improving infrastructure at the University of Belize site.