Belize’s Energy Crisis Ignites Political Blame Game
Minister Kevin Bernard weighed in today on Belize’s growing energy challenges and what his government is doing to secure a more reliable power supply. When we asked what assurances he could give Belizeans, Bernard first pointed the finger at the former UDP administration. But he also expressed confidence that the Briceño government can reduce the country’s energy dependence and put Belize on a more sustainable path. Here is how he explained it.
Kevin Bernard
Kevin Bernard, Cabinet Minister
“You know this energy crisis, and I don’t like to go back to the past, because people will say, oh you the blame the UDP. But you have to lay blame where it is. If there was serious attention made to address the energy issue way back then we would not have had all of these problems. But this government has been making significant attempts and strides to ensuring that we address these problems. The solar project that will be coming on board very soon, and I can’t into it, because I don’t know all the details in terms of the energy project, but I know there is great steps being taken and we are almost there where we wills ee that also coming into play. It is unfortunate where we depend on most of our energy from CFE in Mexico. Belize needs to start looking at self-sufficiency, that is why the solar project is very important. That is why we are putting our best foot forward to make sure that can come. But again, I think Ambassador Young, who is the Executive Chair of BEL, has taken BEL and is pushing forward. With him at the helm there are going to be a lot of major changes, a lot of improvements and I say let’s give people the opportunity and time to showcase what benefits can come. I as a representative have to empathize with our people at the same time for these blackouts, we have been seeing recent. And while there are a lot of perceptions out there, when Mexico have issues who will they cut off? They will cut off other people first; they will not cut off themselves first.”
Notably, while the Briceno administration is working on two major solar projects, it could take months, if not years, before they fully come online.
Attention readers: This online newscast is a direct transcript of our evening television broadcast. When speakers use Kriol, we have carefully rendered their words using a standard spelling system.