Election Funds? Government To Access US$40 Million From Taiwan Loan  

The government’s proposed hundred million US dollar loan from Taiwan is back before the House, and so are questions about how the money will be spent. Up to forty million dollars could be drawn down before year’s end, prompting Opposition concerns about the timing ahead of municipal elections. The government says the loan will support infrastructure, education and health projects over five years. Critics, however, want a clear account of how the first tranche will be used. Prime Minister John Briceño addressed those concerns on Friday.

 

Prime Minister John Briceño

“With your permission not to repeat the recitals, now therefore be it resolve that this Honorable House being satisfied that the loan proceeds will be utilized for the purpose stated above, approves and confirms that the government of Belize may enter into a loan agreement with the Export-Import Bank of China-Taiwan for the terms and conditions set out above and further authorizes the Minister of Finance to execute and deliver the said loan agreement, the promissory note and all other documents associated there with.”

 

 

 

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.

 

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