“All of this lee-bit-lee-bit, it’s putting more money in Belizean people pockets”

Prime Minister John Briceno is pushing back against criticism from the United Democratic Party (UDP) over the rising cost of living.

Speaking on Open Your Eyes, Briceño acknowledged that imported goods have driven up expenses but stressed that his administration is working to ease the burden. “We understand the issue of the cost of goods, but we do not have control of it. These goods are imported. We cannot control these, but what is it that we have done to address that?” he said.

He pointed to efforts such as raising the minimum wage, providing scholarships, feeding 15,000 schoolchildren, offering free education to “tens of thousands” of students, and expanding National Health Insurance clinics that now serve around 22,000 Belizeans “at a greatly, hugely, almost free” cost.

The Prime Minister also pointed to initiatives like GST-free weekends during Christmas and back-to-school periods, which he says, “All of this lee-bit-lee-bit, it’s putting more money in Belizean people pockets.”

The UDP, however, says many Belizeans are struggling under the pressure of soaring prices. Party Second Deputy Miguel Guerra spoke in a press conference, saying that everyday expenses, especially groceries, have become unbearable, warning that the cost of living is a reality Belizeans cannot ignore.

Meanwhile, the Statistical Institute of Belize today released data showing that “for the first ten months in 2025, when compared to the same period in 2024, the cost of goods and services purchased by households increased by 1.2%.”