Is Belize really better off, or just feeling better?

Prime Minister John Briceño is opening 2026 with confident declarations of more jobs at livable wages, safer communities, stronger schools and clinics, and rural villages finally getting paved roads, clean water, and tech‑ready classrooms. He points to GST‑free weekends fueling “tens of millions” in spending and a rush of Belizeans buying shares in Hydro Belize Ltd. as proof of progress. But beyond the optimism and pride he celebrates, the real test is whether these gains are deep and lasting, or if they mask stubborn gaps in cost of living, crime, and equity.

 

Prime Minister John Briceño

“Now, what reasons excite my confidence that we are better off? These reasons stretch from the foundation to the stars. At the foundation, the pillars of our society are rock solid. Belizeans are working in higher numbers than ever, earning livable and higher wages, rearing their families in generally safer communities, benefitting from stronger schooling and healthcare systems and gathering for themselves a greater share of the nation’s bountiful wealth. What is especially pleasing is the evident advances being achieved for that half of our population living in the rural areas of our country; those whose streets, roads and drains have been vastly improved and whose access to clean water, to classrooms and technology, to healthcare and to lands for village expansions have all received unprecedented attention and resources from this government. More compelling than any employment number or GDP statistics is the optimism I encounter in my frequent engagements with Belizean workers and Belizean entrepreneurs alike. Most compelling in this narrative of prosperity is the soaring pride, the hope and the resilience of Belizeans as we contrast the incredible stability and security we continue to enjoy in an otherwise disorderly and rapidly changing world. Two government initiative stand tall as the year closes. First, the avalanche of commercial activity across the country, motivated by the GST-free weekends offered by government. This program spurs tens of millions in consumer spending within the economy. The recent launch of the sale of shares of the recently acquired Hydro Belize Ltd., the company that owns the three hydropower plants located on the Macal River in the Cayo District. In just the first few days of the offering, hundreds of Belizeans have already applied to become shareholders in this company. Again, this bold step by government, first the acquisition and now the share sale will keep profits circulating in the local economy for generations to come.”