Police Join Pay Push: Officers Demand Raise Amid CEO Salary Hike

The call for fair compensation is growing louder and this time, it’s coming from within the ranks of law enforcement. The Belize Police Association is reportedly pushing for a salary increase for police officers, joining a growing chorus of public sector workers demanding better pay. The timing is no coincidence. With three major unions already pressing the Government of Belize for wage adjustments, the police association is now voicing its frustration, particularly over the recent salary increases granted to government CEOs, while officers on the front lines remain overlooked. According to reports, the association has written to the Commissioner of Police, Doctor Richard Rosado, outlining their concerns and calling for action. When asked about the letter on Wednesday, ComPol Rosado said it had not yet reached his desk, but emphasized that his office maintains an open line of communication with the association and is committed to ongoing dialogue.

 

Dr. Richard Rosado, Commissioner of Police

“I released my strategic plan to the rank and file the police department last week. My agenda is reforming, refocusing and rebuilding the police department. Critical to those would be the modernization, accountability and welfare. I met with the police association on Monday to discuss challenges and how we can work hand in hand in ensuring that they fulfill their legal obligation as per the police act. They are charged with the welfare and efficiency of their officers. So, we discussed many things in terms of improving the efficiency of officers and addressing the welfare of the officers. They have committed to work hand and hand with us, with the high command of the police department. We even agreed to meet on a monthly basis to discuss welfare issues of the police department.”

 

As the pressure mounts, the question remains: will the government respond to the growing demands for equity across the public service? We’ll continue to follow this developing story and bring you updates as they unfold.

Rising Star: ASP Stacy Smith Shines in New Role

On Wednesday, Assistant Superintendent Stacy Smith took center stage, and she owned it. With sharp language and a deep command of policing protocols, Smith impressed the public during a press conference where she emphasized the importance of following the rules under the current state of emergency. But the spotlight on ASP Smith didn’t end there. At just eighteen, she joined the Belize Police Department straight out of sixth form. Seventeen years later, her dedication paid off. Just three days ago, she was promoted to Assistant Superintendent and this week, she stepped into a new role as staff officer in the Office of the Commissioner of Police. From rookie to rising leader, Smith’s journey is a testament to hard work, discipline, and a passion for public service. News Five’s Paul Lopez sat down with her to learn more about the woman behind the badge. Here’s that story.

 

Paul Lopez, Reporting

At eighteen, most teens are thinking about college, getting their first car, or planning their next night out. But Stacy Smith had something else in mind — a badge and a calling. While her peers were exploring early adulthood, Smith was stepping into the world of law enforcement. Her goal? To serve and protect her country.

 

                  Stacy Smith

ASP Stacy Smith, Staff Officer

“Several factors inspired me to become a police officer, chief among them being that I have always known the import of public service and wanted to be a public servant. I have always been someone who knows the importance of discipline. In my younger years I was a brownee, a girl guide, with Ebeneezer Methodist School under the leadership my godmother Ms. Marion Paul, so that aspect, I was a prefect at school. I guess that is the school police.”

 

For Assistant Superintendent Stacy Smith, the call to serve runs in the family. Her father, the late Charles Good, was more than just a law enforcement officer, he was a legend. Known for his fearless stance against injustice and a military career that made him a household name, Good was a force to be reckoned with. It was his guidance that set Smith on her path. He encouraged her to join the Belize Police Department and she did, proudly continuing the legacy he left behind.

 

ASP Stacy Smith

“So I would have entered in 2007. I like to tell people, throughout my policing career I worked at both extremes of the department, because in my first set of posting I was a community policing officer and I was that for about three years and just before that I worked at an operational unit, a heavily centered operational unit. So, while I was working there and throughout my years I always saw the need for us as police officers to better equip ourselves to provide a better level of service to citizens and to be confident in the way we carry out our duties.”

 

In 2017, life threw Assistant Superintendent Stacy Smith a curveball, a deeply personal and traumatic experience that forced her to step back from the job she loved. For a time, the uniform took a back seat as she focused on healing and spending more time at home. It was a difficult chapter, but one that revealed a different kind of strength: the courage to pause, reflect, and rebuild. She pursued an associate’s degree at Wesley Junior College in paralegal studies.

 

ASP Stacy Smith

“While doing my studies, my lecturers in the persons of Miss Mckenzie and Darell Bradely, whenever they would see my script they would insist upon me that  I should further my studies and not just remain at the level of a paralegal certificate.”

 

She spent three years in Barbados studying at the University of the West Indies Cave Hill Campus, making a lot of financial sacrifices to complete her studies there. Smith then completed two years at Norman Manley Law School, before returning to her duties as a police officer.

 

ASP Stacy Smith

“With knowledge comes a certain level of confidence and you don’t take on a bombastic approach when you are confident in what you can or cannot do. So you are able to deliver what must be delivered to the people.”

From sergeant to inspector, Smith has steadily climbed the ranks of the Belize Police Department. Just three days ago, she earned her latest promotion to Assistant Superintendent, a milestone that reflects years of dedication and discipline.

 

ASP Stacy Smith

“Over the years I have seen more and more women join the department. When I joined my group of squad sisters was just six, now we are taking in fifty female officers at a time, even more. The department certainly recognize that there is a need, there is a place for females within the department. I have seen over the years, most recently being placed in key positions. We have a deputy commissioner of police in the person of Ms. Bodden being a female. Unfortunately, the only thing I have not seen over the years is a female being place at the high command of an operational unit. I think there is still some little residual stigma for it, but I certainly believe with time we will move there and certainly under the command of this new commissioner who I expect to carry out the vision of the past commissioner as it relates to representation of females within the department.”

What makes a good police officer? According to Assistant Superintendent Stacy Smith, it’s not just about wearing the badge, it’s about how you carry it. Her favorite quote is, “every adversity presents an opportunity to do good”. It’s a simple but powerful reminder from a leader who’s built her career on exactly that principle. Reporting for News Five, I am Paul Lopez.

Postal Clerk Accused of Tampering with Mail Faces Rare Criminal Charge

The following story raises questions about trust and responsibility within the public service. A Belize City postal clerk is out on bail tonight after being charged with a rare and serious offense—opening a postal packet, allegedly in breach of his official duties. Forty-one-year-old Tyrone Davis, a resident of the Lake Independence area, was arraigned this morning before a Senior Magistrate. Davis, who was brought to court from prison, faced a single charge: opening a postal packet contrary to his duty as a post office employee. The charge stems from an incident that allegedly occurred between April twenty-eighth and May thirteenth of this year. According to the allegations, Davis opened a postal packet addressed to Mercy Cervantes, an act that, if proven, would be a clear violation of postal regulations and public trust. Davis, who appeared unrepresented, pleaded not guilty. The prosecution did not object to bail but requested conditions be attached. The Senior Magistrate granted bail in the sum of fifteen hundred dollars, plus one surety of the same amount. As part of his bail conditions, Davis must stay at least one hundred feet away from the complainant and avoid contact with any prosecution witnesses, many of whom are believed to be his colleagues at the Belize Post Office. The court also noted that his future employment status may depend on internal disciplinary proceedings. Davis was able to meet bail by midday. His next court appearance is scheduled for July fifteenth.

 

Hattieville: A Community of Love Built in the Aftermath of Tragedy  

It’s been more than sixty-three years since Hurricane Hattie slammed into Belize, leaving a trail of destruction and heartbreak in its wake. The 1961 storm claimed hundreds of lives and changed the course of the country’s history forever. In the aftermath, Belizeans were forced to rebuild — not just homes, but entire communities. The capital was moved inland from Belize City to Belmopan, and a new village was born: Hattieville, named after the storm, that reshaped the nation. In today’s edition of Belize on Reel, News Five’s Britney Gordon visits Hattieville to find out how much residents know about the village’s powerful origin story. Do they remember why it was founded? And how has life in Hattieville evolved over the decades?

 

Michael Bainton

Michael Bainton, Hattieville Resident

“Everybody mi do move out the city because the city mi bruk up and dat da when Mr. George Price she he mi wa build Hattieville.”

 

Britney Gordon, Reporting

October thirty-first is usually a night of costumes and candy, but in 1961, it became one of the most terrifying days in Belize’s history. That was the day Hurricane Hattie roared ashore, unleashing devastation across the country. More than ten thousand people were left homeless, and the storm’s impact would reshape Belize for generations. Out of that tragedy came Hattieville, a village built as a refuge for those who had lost everything. It was a place to start over, to rebuild not just homes, but hope. Today, Hattieville is still standing strong, pulsing with life and history. For residents like Linval Mejia, who grew up alongside the village, the story of Hattieville isn’t just something in the past, it’s personal. It’s a reminder of resilience, of community, and of how even the darkest days can lead to new beginnings.

 

Britney Gordon

“How long have you been living in Hattieville?”

 

Linval Mejia

Linval Mejia, Hattieville Resident

“Fifty-nine years now. I born and grow here.”

 

Britney Gordon

“And you know the history of how Hattieville get its name?”

 

Linval Mejia

“Due to Hurricane Hattie. Hurricane Hattie.”

 

Residents say Hattieville is divided into two parts, the old village and the new village. Mejia was there to see some of these developments occur.

 

Linval Mejia

“Well first time we came, we were more over the next village. The old village and were on some barracks. Barracks we used to live in, then they decided to come up this side, build the school and build some house.”

 

While many long-time residents moved to Hattieville following the storm, some decided to relocate for greater opportunities. Danny Myles, who has been living in Hattieville since the 1970’s shares why his mother decided to relocate the family.

 

Voice of: Danny Myles, Hattieville

“My mom used to work da di sanitorium, through Boom road weh right now da prison. And every day she does have to left we da town and stuff like that. You know how ney landlord go when you can’t pay your rent.”

 

For Myles’ mother, the distance between work and home was more than just miles, it was a daily struggle. Living far from her child made life even harder in the wake of Hurricane Hattie’s destruction. But hope came through the leadership of George Price, whose post-storm rehabilitation efforts helped families like hers find a fresh start.

 

Voice of: Danny Myles

“That’s why we move here because my mom see the opportunities and the owning your own place. Working with the government, ih gene with mister, as usual, father of the nation, and since ih da mi wa person di work with government, he grant ah fi mek ih get wa lee piece of land ya and get ih house.”

 

Hattieville has a population of two thousand one hundred eighty-four residents as of 2022- a number that keeps growing every year. Kenneth Hoare has been living here for about sixteen years and he is happy to see the diversity within his community.

 

Kenneth Hoare

Kenneth Hoare, Hattieville Resident

“Ney got more people di come in now. Especially from different places. Hattieville da noh just lone black people. Da mostly that but we got Spanish, Mayan, ih mix. Garifuna, Jamaican, ih mix.”

 

Hattieville thrives on mutual respect and understanding among residents. Although the Belize Central Prison is located nearby, Hoare doesn’t think that it should affect the public perception of the Hattieville residents.

 

Kenneth Hoare

“The place really develop ever since the bad history when ney give the place. Even though we live close to the central prison. We noh mek that stop we from do we thing and show the love and spread the love same way to.”

 

Michael Bainton, a longtime resident of Hattieville, says the village may be small, but its appeal is big. While many still make the daily commute to Belize City for work, Beinton explains that they choose to live in Hattieville for a reason — the peace, the simplicity, and the strong sense of community.

 

Michael Bainton

“We find out that people di come live da di village weh mi so hated. Because we used to name, ney used to call it Cattleville. We had all kind of lee bad name and quarrelsome people but find now people di run come da Hattieville fi rescue.”

 

Hattieville was created in the aftermath of a tragedy to provide peace and relief to Belizeans. Now, sixty-three years later, it is still that peace that attracts people to the village. Britney Gordon for News Five.

Too Much on Salaries? Economist Warns Belize’s Budget Is Off Balance

We turn our attention to the nation’s finances, and the numbers are raising eyebrows. The proposed national budget for this fiscal year has raised concern among economists and politicians alike. At a whopping 1.78 billion dollars, the total expenditure is nearly four hundred million dollars more than what the government expects to collect. That’s a significant deficit—and one that’s not unfamiliar. Belize has historically operated with a budget shortfall, but this year’s gap is drawing sharper scrutiny. Economist Doctor Phillip Castillo says the problem isn’t just the size of the budget, it’s where the money is going. He points to high spending on salaries and non-contributory pensions as key drivers of the deficit. According to Doctor Castillo, trimming these costs could help close the gap. And it’s not just economists sounding the alarm. Leader of the Opposition, Tracy Taegar-Panton, voiced her own concerns during an appearance on “Open Your Eyes” on Tuesday. After reviewing the figures, she questioned the sustainability of such a large spending plan. So, what does this mean for you, the taxpayer? And how can the government balance the books without cutting essential services? News Five’s Marion Ali breaks down the numbers and explores the implications in the following report.

 

Marion Ali, Reporting

Belize is planning to spend a whopping $1.78 billion this fiscal year, but nearly half of that will go toward government salaries and pensions. And that, says one local economist, is simply too much. Dr. Phillip Castillo, an economist and lecturer at the University of Belize, says the country can’t afford to keep pouring such a large chunk of its budget into paying public workers and retirees. In an interview, Dr. Castillo pointed out a troubling issue: some people are still getting paid even though they’re not formally employed. He believes the government needs to take a hard look at its payroll and cut off payments to those who shouldn’t be there.

 

Phillip Castillo

Dr. Phillip Castillo, Economist

“What jumps out at me is the inordinate expenditures on wages and salaries and pensions, Now the way to handle that, meaning that – the unions – they’ve accused basically government of having a host of most workers. That’s a low hanging fruit you could easily ascertain. I’m certain that the government could initiate an investigation to ascertain if there are ghost workers on its payroll. If there are, you certainly want to move them. And you certainly want to prevent them from – to ascertain the process by which ghost workers came on your payroll and then you want to adjust that, legally or otherwise.”

 

According to Castillo, removing so-called “ghost workers”—people who are still being paid despite not actively working—could significantly reduce the country’s wage bill. And the numbers are no small matter. When he presented the national budget, Prime Minister John Briceño revealed that forty cents of every dollar the government spends goes directly to salaries and pensions. Last year alone, that added up to over half a billion dollars. Castillo says that kind of spending isn’t sustainable.

 

Prime Minister John Briceño

“Government spending on salaries for its estimated fifteen thousand workforce, all teachers and public officers was five hundred and three million dollars with an additional hundred and thirty million dollars spent on pensions and ex-gratia payments. Put it differently, fifty-two cents of government spending goes to salaries and pensions. Forty-three cents on every tax dollar was spent on salaries and pensions.”

 

According to Castillo, the current pension system is putting heavy strain on the national budget. He says that if the government reforms how pensions are paid out, it could drastically reduce those costs and help chip away at the country’s four hundred-million-dollar deficit.

 

Dr. Phillip Castillo

“I have always been an advocate for contributory pensions. Belize’s pension scheme is non-contributory, and that makes it unsustainable. You really want to make your pensions scheme contributory, and then not only does that make it sustainable, but by paying contributor pensions, it means that public officers could then advocate for pensions to be tied to some kind of inflation or cost of living adjustments.”

 

Earlier this week, Opposition Leader Tracy Taegar-Panton shared that the figures presented in the budget are signs of challenges ahead. She raised a red flag about how the national budget is being spent, pointing out that once the government covers its massive expenses and debt payments, there’s only a small slice of the pie left for the things that really matter, like education, healthcare, and infrastructure.

 

Tracy Taegar-Panton

Tracy Taegar-Panton, Leader of the Opposition

“Forty percent is for recurrent expenditure; thirty percent – infrastructure development; eight percent – debt payments; so that’s eighty percent of the budget is gone. There’s twenty percent that should now be divided into areas that concern the Belizean people: education, health, social safety net programs for the most vulnerable in our communities, housing. These things are big things for people who are struggling every single day to put food on the table.”

 

While the Prime Minister touted an eight-point-two percent growth in GDP, not everyone is buying it. Panton pushed back, saying that kind of economic growth just isn’t visible to the average Belizean struggling with day-to-day costs.

 

Tracy Taegar-Panton

“Where is it? And who has the benefit of that eight-point two percent growth in the G.D.P?”

 

Paul Lopez

“It’s in the tourism sector – jobs.”

 

Tracy Taegar-Panton

“So what happens to the productive sector? What are we going to address the energy crisis that is imminent in this country? What are we doing to prepare for the trade wars and the impact that will have on small economies like Belize? What are we doing to expand our exports to CARICOM and to Mexico and to Taiwan? Where are the New Growth industries and what are we doing and what do we have planned to support these New Growth industries to take root, so we can diversify our economy?”

 

As far as loans go, Dr Castillo said there’s nothing wrong with borrowing, if it their interest rates are affordable.

 

Dr. Phillip Castillo

“There’s absolutely nothing wrong with borrowing money if you’re borrowing from cheap sources. Then you’re using that money for productive purposes to build your – to enhance your productive capacity. It’s always a challenge if you’re borrowing for recurrent expenditures. I’m not certain if that is being done, but if you’re borrowing for capital expenditures for capital projects, and your sources of financing are fairly low, it’s low-cost financing. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with that.”

 

Castillo said he anticipates a fiery debate of the budget, and he will be able to weigh both sides of the debate. Marion Ali for News Five.

Belize’s Pro Basketball League Returns with a Bold New Identity

Professional basketball is bouncing back in Belize and it’s doing so with a fresh look, new leadership, and a brand-new name. The Belize Premier Basketball League, or BPBL, is set to tip off its inaugural season this Friday night at the Belize City Civic Center. The opening matchup will see the EZ Investment Dangriga Dream Ballers take on the Belize City Thunderbolts in what promises to be a high-energy showdown. But this isn’t just a new season, it’s a new era. At a press conference held this afternoon in Belize City, league organizers laid out their vision for the BPBL. Chief Financial Officer, Doctor Paul Flowers, highlighted one of the league’s most significant changes: a more sustainable and professional approach to team management and player development.  Doctor Flowers emphasized that the BPBL is not just a rebrand of the former Belize Elite Basketball League, it’s a step up. With improved financial oversight, better support for athletes, and a commitment to growing the sport nationwide, the BPBL aims to elevate basketball in Belize to new heights.

 

                  Paul Flowers

Dr. Paul Flowers, Chief Financial Officer, B.P.B.L

“The first step we did was to change the charter. It use to be an unlimited number of Belizean Americans and you get two foreigners. You could have thirteen Belizean American and one European and one American and it is entertaining. You see high flying stuff, but the local communities couldn’t recognize themselves in that. So, we made this seismic shift to say the rules have changed. Now, to fill your roster, here are your handcuffs, you are allowed ten Belizean born players. Of those ten Belizean players one must be U-21. Now you set that aside, you now have two more, a foreign born anywhere in the world, with no affiliation. The other can be a naturalized Belizean. So, now what that did it nullified the big money. Because regardless of how much money you had you can only buy two foreigners and everyone can afford two foreigners, we knew that. It is when you go beyond two foreigners that they fell apart.”

Two Conferences, One Champion: The Race for the Benny’s Jaguar Cup Begins

Basketball fans are in for even more thrills this season as teams battle it out across two conferences, the Toucan and the Maya, for a shot at the ultimate prize: the Benny’s Jaguar Cup. Much like the NBA’s Eastern and Western Conferences, this format adds a new layer of competition and strategy. Teams will have to dominate their conference before earning the right to compete for the championship title. Doctor Paul Flowers explained that this setup is designed to raise the stakes and keep fans on the edge of their seats all season long.

 

Dr. Paul Flowers, Chief Financial Officer, B.P.B.L

“One of the key things we did was create conferences, we created the Maya conference and the Toucan conference. Why the Maya and the toucan, it is because our identity is from the Maya from tourism. Tourism is our biggest foreign reserve earner and what do they advertise every day, the jaguar, the Maya community, so we try to cap the rainforest. That is why in a brainstorming meeting, Dr. Gordon and my son, Paul Flowers Jr. came up with this concept of this is a jungle, survival of the fittest who will be the apex predator. The apex predator is the jaguar. The jungle is what we market, and the jungle has been the place that nobody wants to go to because you go in there and don’t know up from down and nobody can find you. That is what the BPBL is. You want to win the Jaguar Championship and stand as the apex predator; you must follow a gauntlet.”

 

From Sugar City to Future City? Orange Walk Eyes Big Leap

Known affectionately as “Sugar City” for its long-standing role as Belize’s top sugar producer, Orange Walk Town is now setting its sights on something even sweeter—city status. With rapid growth and development over the years, Mayor Ladrick Sheppard believes the town is well on its way to becoming Orange Walk City, possibly within the next decade. And if he has anything to say about it, he’ll be right there to help make it happen. Sheppard, who’s already serving as mayor, says he plans to run for three more terms, and if successful, he hopes to be part of the conversations that could officially elevate Orange Walk to city status.

 

                    Ladrick Sheppard

Ladrick Sheppard, Mayor, Orange Walk Town

“This town would want turn into a city. For that to happen, we would need a little more amount of people and then the closest village that is adaptable and I think Hon. Munchies [Cervantes] has – I thing that’s his biggest area and it would adapt to Trial Farm. When that becomes a reality, I’m pretty sure Orange Walk is going to become a city. There is an east section of Trial Farm and there is a west section of Trial Farm, an area called Black Water. So eventually, like I said, I’ve been circling around there and I’ve been seeing it. Some of the people there would love to have the services of the town, but again, this is something that the village people – since they have a village council, there is a chairman there in charge of the village. This is something that they, the people would want and if they want this to say we are ready to pay property tax; we’re ready enough to go ahead and get the essential services that all people from the town are receiving, then that will be but I don’t know if I’m gonna be the Mayor then. I am preparing to stay as a five-term mayor. That’s my goal and my dream – to be mayor for five terms. So this is my second term, and I would have three more terms to go. I might be here.”

From Cruelty to Compassion: Wannie the Horse Continues Healing Journey

Just weeks ago, a disturbing video sparked national outrage; a young horse named Wannie was seen being brutally assaulted by a group of young men. The footage, which went viral in April, set off a firestorm of anger and reignited calls for stronger animal cruelty laws in Belize. But tonight, there’s a glimmer of hope. Wannie, once the face of that heartbreaking moment, is now on the road to recovery, thanks to the swift intervention of the Belize Agricultural Health Authority, Reimer’s Feed Mill, and the Animal Medical Center. Together, they stepped in to treat his wounds and provide the care he desperately needed. On Wednesday night, Reimer’s shared a heartwarming update on Facebook: a video showing Wannie looking healthier, calmer, and more at peace. His wounds are healing, his spirit is lifting, and his journey has become a symbol of resilience and compassion. While Wannie’s story is far from over, it’s already a powerful reminder of what can happen when a community comes together—not just to condemn cruelty, but to champion kindness. And as calls for justice continue, so too does the hope that Wannie’s recovery will inspire lasting change.

50 New, Proud Homeowners Thanks to Government Housing Program

In the capital city of Belmopan today, fifty Belizean families received the keys to a brighter future, thanks to a major housing initiative by the Ministry of Infrastructure Development and Housing. The occasion marked the official unveiling of fifty brand-new starter homes in the newly established Highland Estate community. These homes are part of a national effort to provide affordable housing to citizens who have never owned a home. From north to south, families from across the country gathered in Belmopan to celebrate this life-changing moment. For many, it was the first time they could call a house of their own. The joy was palpable as keys were handed over, symbolizing not just shelter, but stability, dignity, and a fresh start. The ministry says this is just the beginning, with more homes planned as part of its ongoing commitment to uplift Belizean families through accessible housing. News Five’s Britney Gordon brings us a full story.

 

Britney Gordon, Reporting

Fifty families in Belize are celebrating a life-changing moment—they now have a place to call home. These brand-new studio houses were built and handed over as part of the government’s Low-Income Housing Program, aimed at helping those most in need. Prime Minister John Briceño was all smiles as he personally handed over the keys, sharing in the joy of the new homeowners.

 

            Prime Minister John Briceño

Prime Minister John Briceño

“When we were handing over one to a family and the little girl is so excited and she wants to get into the house. And her mother is saying wait we have to inaugurate it, we have to cut the ribbon. And she’s so excited and we open the door and she’s the first one that rushes in. And the first thing she did was go to the bathroom where there’s a shower and where there’s a sewage, things that we take for granted. And she is saying ,om we have a shower in Spanish and then we have a sewage we no longer have to be bathing outside. And when you see it outside there was a little zinc thing no top, just zink around that is where they used to take a shower and then and room wit another toilet on the outside. We, those that are blessed and have the opportunity, we take these things for granted. But it’s not. These are the things that really start to make people’s live better and give them a sense of purpose.”

This housing initiative was made possible thanks to a generous boost from the Government of the Republic of China (Taiwan), which partnered with Belize through a grant worth over a million US Dollars, signed in late 2023. Taiwan’s Ambassador to Belize, Lily Li-Wen Hsu, highlighted the project as just one of many joint efforts between the two nations, all aimed at improving the lives of everyday Belizeans.

 

                Lily Li-Wen Hsu

Lily Li-Wen Hsu, Taiwanese Ambassador

“I’d like to express my deep appreciation to the MIDH team for their dedication and excellent professional execution of the project. This project also reminds me that people of both our nations share a lot in common. Homeownership is one of them. Our people all desire to own a place we call home I think that’s why the provision of affordable housing is the shared commitment and common policy priority of both our governments.”

 

Affordable housing isn’t just about having a roof over your head, it’s one of the smartest ways to fight poverty and help families move up the economic ladder. It also plays a key role in improving other areas like healthcare, safety, and education. Since the launch of the starter home project in 2021, hundreds of low-income Belizeans have already seen their lives transformed.

 

                  Julius Espat

Julius Espat, Minister of Infrastructure Development and Housing

“Our responsibility as government has to focus on the people that are never given that opportunity. It could be because of the color of their skin, it could be because of their religion, it could be because they come from villages. It could be many different cultural reasons why they are not given an opportunity. But we have to look out for them. That is the soul of this program. And I thank you Prime Minister, and I thank you for your government for assisting in elevating the soul of our nation. Because that is what we are fighting for, we are fighting. We are fighting for our Belizean people to be at a certain level where they can compete with anybody in the world. And this is a start.”

 

The government of Belize commits to continuing efforts to enhance the lives of Belizeans everywhere. Britney Gordon for News Five.

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