2025-05-12 - Channel 5 Belize

PM Unveils $1.78 Billion Budget, But Opposition Says It Misses the Mark

All eyes were on the House of Representatives today as Prime Minister John Briceño rolled out the proposed 2025 National Budget—totaling a hefty $1.78 billion in spending, with projected revenues and grants coming in at $1.74 billion. The PM explained the delay in presenting the budget, which usually happens in March before the new financial year begins on April first. This year, however, the March twelfth General Elections pushed everything back. He pointed out that this isn’t the first time an election year has caused a delay, citing a similar situation in 2012 under the previous U.D.P. administration. Briceño also highlighted what he called a strong economic performance, boasting an eight-point-two percent GDP growth in 2024. But not everyone was impressed. Leader of the Opposition Tracy Taegar-Panton questioned the government’s priorities, expressing concern over how much of the budget is being funneled into infrastructure rather than areas she believes need more urgent attention. News Five’s Marion Ali has more on the presentation and what this budget could mean for Belizeans.

Marion Ali, Reporting

The numbers are in—Prime Minister John Briceño has officially unveiled a $1.78 billion spending plan for the 2025–2026 fiscal year. The budget, presented today in the National Assembly, outlines the government’s financial roadmap for the year ahead, covering everything from infrastructure and education to healthcare and social programs. With big investments on the table, all eyes will be on how the government plans to balance spending with revenue—and what this means for everyday Belizeans.

Prime Minister John Briceño

“We propose one point seven, two billion in total spending, of which one point two, five billion are recurrent in nature and five hundred and twenty-eight million dollars represent capital investments. In this budget cycle, eighty million previously classified as subsidies and transfers is being reclassified as what they truly are, which is personal emoluments. This is an important adjustment since this subsidies and transfers category imply an annual adjustable outlay, as opposed to personal emoluments that carry different obligations. Therefore, for this fiscal year, six hundred and ninety-eight million, let me repeat – for this fiscal year, six hundred and ninety-eight million is therefore allotted to salaries and pensions, representing fifty-six percent of total recurrent spending.”

While the government has laid out a bold budget for the upcoming financial year, it’s banking on $1.74 billion in revenue to fund it. That leaves a gap that will need to be filled—raising questions about how the shortfall will be managed. As the budget debate unfolds, all eyes will be on how the government plans to bridge the difference without putting too much pressure on taxpayers or borrowing beyond its means.

Prime Minister John Briceño

“On the revenue side of the ledger, one point seven, four billion dollars is projected for revenue and grants, which is an increase of $94 million compared to the last period, or some six percent growth, to be achieved by continued economic growth and collection efficiencies. Of the ninety-four million dollars, the largest increase – fifty-three million dollars is to come from a significant increase in bilateral and multilateral grants with thirty-four million derived from recurrent revenue growth and three million in additional capital revenues.”

The graph shows how the expenditure rose steadily, going from one point three six billion dollars in 2022 to what the forecast is in 2027/28 at one point five, nine eight billion dollars. Interestingly, the projection for that year is four hundred million dollars less than it is for 2026/27. On the flip side of the coin, the revenues and grants from 2022 went from one point three, two, zero billion dollars, to a projected one point seven, eight, three billion in 2027. Again, the venues for 2026/27 is higher.

Belize’s economy is picking up serious steam. With GDP growth hitting a solid 8.2% in 2024, Prime Minister John Briceño is calling it a clear sign that the country is moving in the right direction. “This is strong economic momentum,” the PM said, highlighting the figure as proof that Belize’s recovery and development strategies are paying off. The impressive growth rate puts Belize among the region’s top economic performers for the year—fueling optimism for what’s ahead.

Prime Minister John Briceño

“In 2024, Belize recorded spectacular real GDP growth of eight point two percent, primarily driven by advancements in the services and secondary sectors.

Among the highlights are significant investments allocated for infrastructure development.

Prime Minister John Briceño

“This year, we will be appropriating a record three hundred and thirty-six point seven million dollars to our Capital Two budget. That is the portion of the overall capital program that is funded from general revenue as opposed to donor financing. This emphasis continues to be on the upgrading and maintenance of our road infrastructure, such as the Progresso to San Stephen road and others, and to provide the necessary counterpart resources for capital projects funded by our development partners.”

Belize poured a hefty $438 million into infrastructure development in 2024—but not everyone is impressed with how the money was spent. Leader of the Opposition Tracy Taegar-Panton has raised concerns, criticizing the government’s approach to managing such a massive investment. While the spending signals a major push to improve roads, bridges, and public facilities, Taegar-Panton argues that the execution lacked transparency and strategic focus. As the government touts progress, the opposition is demanding answers—and accountability.

Tracy Taegar-Panton

“There seems to be quite a lot of money being invested in infrastructure and my cursory look at the budget estimates suggests that where it matters for the Belizean people – in education, in health, in housing, there are going to be some serious adjustments in terms of the government’s investment. There’s no contingency planning for what happens, for example, with the global trade wars that are imminent and the impact that will have on our economy. There is no indication of how we are going to deal in a holistic way. The energy crisis that we’re already feeling the implications of – those kinds of things, so those things matter to the Belizean people.”

As the national budget heads to the floor of the House, the big question remains: will the $1.78 billion spending plan deliver real results—or just more political back-and-forth? The full budget debate is set to kick off on May twenty-sixth and will run for three days. Expect fiery exchanges, bold promises, and sharp critiques as both sides of the aisle weigh in on how the billions should be spent. We’ll be following every moment to bring you the highlights, the heat, and the headlines. Marion Ali for News Five.

Public Debt Holds Steady, But PM Points to Big Economic Growth

Despite concerns about rising debt, Belize’s public debt hasn’t budged much over the past four years. At the end of 2020, it stood just above four billion dollars—and by the close of 2024, it was still in that same ballpark. But Prime Minister John Briceño says there’s more to the story. He credits the country’s growing economy for keeping the debt in check, noting that Belize’s annual economic output surged by 67% during that period. As for how the country is managing its debt, the PM revealed that interest payments alone totaled one hundred and nineteen million dollars last year. He broke down the numbers during his budget presentation, painting a picture of a government trying to balance borrowing with growth.

Prime Minister John Briceño

“The external stock of public debt was one point four, five three billion U.S. dollars. Previous governments of both parties have generated burst of economic growth, and in both instances, these have been fueled by material increases in the public debt. Our debt policy is and will continue to be more enlightened. On the public debt, the conversion of promise to performance shines brightly. Government attained a primary surplus of one point four, eight percent of G.D.P., an overall deficit of minus zero point two, six percent.”

New Building Code Bill Aims to Raise the Bar on Public Construction

Big changes could be coming to the way public buildings are designed and built in Belize. The Government is pushing forward with the Belize Building Amendment Bill, introduced by Minister of Infrastructure Development & Housing Julius Espat, which aims to modernize construction standards across the country. The bill outlines new rules for the renovation, construction, and even demolition of buildings. According to Minister Espat, it’s the result of five years of hard work—reviewing and adapting international building codes to suit Belize’s unique environment and needs. Once passed, the law will require builders to follow the updated Belize Building Codes under the Belize Building Act. The goal? Safer, more resilient structures that can better withstand the country’s natural conditions while protecting public health and the environment. Minister Espat emphasized that this is about more than just regulations—it’s about building a stronger, safer Belize from the ground up.

Julius Espat, Minister of Infrastructure Development

“The Belize Building Code will become a part of the Belize Building Act. It will be the only code of reference to guide building construction in Belize, more specifically it applies to all buildings except family dwellings not more than three stories above grade. So, we are dealing with public buildings at this point time. Your restaurant will now have to fall within the code. It is a public building because people visit your establishment. These buildings, national assembly, banks, office of professionals. It does not apply to residence. That is a separate code that we will go and try to adopt later on which is fall under the residential code. People are scared for change, but we live in a global environment and have to raise the standard for construction in this country. We purposely did not dwell into the residential aspect because we wanted to make sure that people were not given this idea that his will make construction cost expensive for them. It will not, it will just ensure that the professionals designing the buildings are following a standard that everybody will use.”

Building Code Bill Draws Line Between Public and Private Construction

Belize’s push for stronger building standards took center stage at today’s House Meeting, but not all structures are covered—yet. Minister of Infrastructure Development Julius Espat clarified that the newly tabled building codes will apply only to public buildings for now. Standards for residential homes are still in the works and will be rolled out later. Espat underscored the importance of these codes by referencing a recent tragedy—the death of three tourists at the Royal Kahal Beach Resort. He noted that in incidents like these, having clear building standards can help guide investigations and potentially prevent future loss of life. The message is clear: stronger codes mean safer spaces. And while the focus is currently on public infrastructure, the groundwork is being laid for broader reforms across the construction sector.

Julius Espat, Minister of Infrastructure Development

“A couple months ago we had a problem in San Pedro where some visitors died because there was a, still to be determined, but it seems there was a problem with carbon monoxide. The building code or act had nothing to lead professionals to that direction. Mostly the engineers or mechanical engineers will have to rely on international building codes to put it in the process. This now will fall under our building codes which will have jurisdiction over those things. We just passed the disability act, last year. That changes the whole aspect of how we design buildings. Now you will have to make sure people will have access to these building, if it is more than three stories you will have to put in an elevator by law if it is at the ground floor you will have to put in ramps at certain angles to make sure it works.”

Minister Espat also noted that for the building codes to be effective, the Briceño administration will have to make significant investments in the Central Building Authority’s enforcement strategy.

New Families Bill Aims to Strengthen Protection for Belize’s Most Vulnerable

A bold new piece of legislation is making its way through the National Assembly, and it could reshape how Belize protects its children and elderly citizens. Minister of Human Development and Family Affairs, Thea Garcia-Ramirez, introduced the Families Bill today, describing it as a transformative step toward stronger family support systems. The bill outlines key rights and procedures around guardianship, custody, and child maintenance—and for the first time, it formally recognizes a child’s right to receive counseling. One of the most groundbreaking changes? The bill would allow single men to adopt female children, a move that challenges long-standing legal norms and opens the door to more inclusive family structures.

Thea Garcia-Ramirez, Minister of Family Support

“It also allows for the recognition of the relationship between the child and a parent for the purpose of determining succession of property. It removes prohibition on a single man adopting a child as a female, because this prohibition goes against the principle of nondiscrimination. It provides protection for children with disabilities so they can be assessed early, offered appropriate treatment and given equal opportunities in respect of education. It allows for care and supervision orders for vulnerable and abused children to be placed in the care of the Department of Human Development or the Community Rehabilitation Department where they are to be given protective and rehabilitated services.”

Highway Upgrade Debate: Is the Price Too High for a Smoother Ride?

An upgraded stretch of the George Price Highway from Belmopan to La Democracia Village is in the works—and while that may sound like good news for commuters, it’s raising some serious questions about cost. The Government of Belize is banking on a thirteen-million-dollar loan from the Kuwait Fund to cover nearly half—forty-seven percent—of the project. But that still leaves a fifteen-million U.S. dollar gap, which the government will need to fill to complete the eighteen-mile upgrade. Mesop Area Rep Lee Mark Chang isn’t convinced it’s worth the price tag. He argues the road is already in decent condition and that the funds could be better spent elsewhere. As the government pushes forward with its infrastructure plans, the debate continues: is this a smart investment in Belize’s future—or a costly move that misses the mark?

Lee Mark Chang, Area Representative, Mesopotamia

“There are many roads and streets and town that needs upgrade, roads that need TLC in the villages. There are much more important issues to deal with than roads, roads, road, health care, dialysis, food pantry, or grocery bags, home improvements, maybe the outstanding salary raise for teachers or any other social nets programs. I remember a famous quote, we can’t eat the street boss, we can’t eat it. Twenty-nine kilometers of road is equal to eighteen miles. The road from La Democracia to Belmopan already has a lot of infrastructure work, so how will it cost so much money, three million dollars a mile to refurbish a road that already has infrastructure and a lot of stuff. I am no engineer, but it should not cost three million dollars a mile.”

PM Defends Highway Upgrade: “It’s No Longer a Real Highway”

As debate heats up over the fifty-million-dollar George Price Highway upgrade, Prime Minister John Briceño is pushing back against critics who say the project is too expensive. In response to Lee Mark Chang’s claim that the road is still in good shape, the prime minister made it clear: the highway has outlived its usefulness and no longer meets international standards. “It can’t even be called a highway anymore,” Briceño said. He explained that the government will cover part of the cost and is actively seeking additional financing to complete the eighteen-mile stretch between Belmopan and La Democracia. The hefty price tag, he noted, reflects the scale of the work needed to bring the road up to modern standards, something he says is long overdue. With both sides digging in, the road ahead for this project may be just as bumpy as the one it’s meant to fix.

Prime Minster John Briceño

“Really totally confused about what he is talking about. But I will just make a few points, the development of a country and its economy is based on infrastructure. We can’t run away from that. Maybe he has not been enough on the Goerge Price Highway. Maybe he does not realize that this highway is the most dangerous highway in this country, it has the most accident and people are dying. This highway connects the north to the west. The amount of trucks and wright can no longer handle it. That road was built in the seventies and eighties. It has long passed its time. The shoulders have been breaking off. Right now it does not meet international standards to be called a highway. You talk about the price, before you make these outlandish remarks you should check and not embarrass yourself. You have to strengthen the road, bridges, culverts, but also it is going to be hot mix.”

In concluding his response, P.M. Briceño argued that the U.D.P. has no moral authority to speak on the cost of the road works when eight million dollars were spent on constructing the Faber’s Road extension.

PM Says U.S. Grant Cut Won’t Shake Budget—But Belize Has a Plan B

Prime Minister John Briceño is downplaying concerns over the reported cancellation of a major U.S. grant, saying it won’t impact the government’s financial plans. The grant in question—worth a hefty one hundred and twenty-five million US dollars from the Millennium Challenge Corporation—was earmarked for poverty reduction and energy development. Of that, seventy-three point eight million was set to go toward education, and $twenty-one point seven million for an energy project. Speaking to reporters last Friday, the PM explained that the funds were never factored into the national budget, so their absence doesn’t throw off the numbers. And as of today, he says Belize still hasn’t received any official word confirming the cancellation. Still, Briceño remains hopeful the funding will come through—but assured the public that there’s a backup plan if it doesn’t.

Prime Minister John Briceño

“I wish to clarify that these funds are not included in our national budget, but rather directly managed by the M.C.C. under a separate financial and accounting arrangement as set on the Millennium Challenge account, Belize Authority Act of 2024. Mr. Speaker, on the 20th of January, 2025. President Trump issued an executive order which mandated a 90-day pause on new obligations and disbursements of United States Government development assistance funds for foreign governments, including funding for the M.C.C. Compact with Belize. Just over three weeks ago, we received an official word out of Washington that the M.C.C. board would be terminating the compact agreement with Belize, but to date we have not received any official word to this effect. In the meantime, Belize has expressed its concerns at every high level in the United States Government, and we have received assurances that the matter has been further examined to see if there is a possibility to retain the Belize program intact. We are therefore guardedly optimistic that the program will be retained. However, should the program indeed be terminated, we will be actively seeking alternates, alternate sources of funding from our development partners.”

Jackpot for GOB: Lottery Sales Bring in Over $100 Million in 2024

Belize hit the jackpot in 2024—not just in lucky numbers, but in national revenue. The Belize Government Lotteries Limited raked in over a hundred million dollars from Boledo and Sunday Lottery sales, marking a massive leap in earnings compared to just two years ago. According to Prime Minister John Briceño, profits more than doubled, with a significant portion of that windfall being funneled back into programs aimed at helping Belizeans. It’s a winning streak for the government’s coffers—and, potentially, for communities across the country.

Prime Minister John Briceño

“For the period November 21, 2023 through to 30th November, 2024, the government-owned and managed Belize Government Lotteries Limited recorded sales of some $111.2 million, which was for lottery sales revenues only. Additional revenues were collected for device rentals and sale of thermal paper. This was an increase of sixty-five million dollars or one hundred and forty-two percent above the sales as reported by Brads Gaming Company for the fiscal year 2022 – sixty-five million dollars more. And they mi have fi what – about twelve years – so do the math. Prize winnings paid out for the same period was seventy-seven point six million dollars, reflecting a playout percentage – We never did hear how much Brads Lottery mi di pay out. We di pay out seventy percent of sales we di pay back to the Belizean people.”

Tourism Boom in 2024: Overnight Stays Drive Big Bucks for Belize

Belize’s tourism industry had a banner year in 2024, with a major surge in overnight stays fueling a fresh wave of revenue for the country. While cruise ship arrivals held steady compared to the previous year, it was the sharp rise in overnight visitors that made the real difference—bringing in more money and creating a ripple effect across the economy. From hotels and restaurants to transportation and tour operators, the tourism boom gave a boost to several key industries, reinforcing the sector’s role as a powerhouse in Belize’s economic engine.

Prime Minister John Briceño

“Stayover tourist arrivals tourist arrival exceeded pre-pandemic figures rising by ten point seven percent, credited to effective marketing strategies and an increase in airlift capacity, compared to 2023 arrivals jumped by nineteen point six percent, whereas cruise visitors numbers were almost identical.”