Despite concerns about rising debt, Belize’s public debt hasn’t budged much over the past four years. At the end of 2020, it stood just above four billion dollars—and by the close of 2024, it was still in that same ballpark. But Prime Minister John Briceño says there’s more to the story. He credits the country’s growing economy for keeping the debt in check, noting that Belize’s annual economic output surged by 67% during that period. As for how the country is managing its debt, the PM revealed that interest payments alone totaled one hundred and nineteen million dollars last year. He broke down the numbers during his budget presentation, painting a picture of a government trying to balance borrowing with growth.
Prime Minister John Briceño
“The external stock of public debt was one point four, five three billion U.S. dollars. Previous governments of both parties have generated burst of economic growth, and in both instances, these have been fueled by material increases in the public debt. Our debt policy is and will continue to be more enlightened. On the public debt, the conversion of promise to performance shines brightly. Government attained a primary surplus of one point four, eight percent of G.D.P., an overall deficit of minus zero point two, six percent.”
Belize’s push for stronger building standards took center stage at today’s House Meeting, but not all structures are covered—yet. Minister of Infrastructure Development Julius Espat clarified that the newly tabled building codes will apply only to public buildings for now. Standards for residential homes are still in the works and will be rolled out later. Espat underscored the importance of these codes by referencing a recent tragedy—the death of three tourists at the Royal Kahal Beach Resort. He noted that in incidents like these, having clear building standards can help guide investigations and potentially prevent future loss of life. The message is clear: stronger codes mean safer spaces. And while the focus is currently on public infrastructure, the groundwork is being laid for broader reforms across the construction sector.
Julius Espat, Minister of Infrastructure Development
“A couple months ago we had a problem in San Pedro where some visitors died because there was a, still to be determined, but it seems there was a problem with carbon monoxide. The building code or act had nothing to lead professionals to that direction. Mostly the engineers or mechanical engineers will have to rely on international building codes to put it in the process. This now will fall under our building codes which will have jurisdiction over those things. We just passed the disability act, last year. That changes the whole aspect of how we design buildings. Now you will have to make sure people will have access to these building, if it is more than three stories you will have to put in an elevator by law if it is at the ground floor you will have to put in ramps at certain angles to make sure it works.”
Minister Espat also noted that for the building codes to be effective, the Briceño administration will have to make significant investments in the Central Building Authority’s enforcement strategy.
As debate heats up over the fifty-million-dollar George Price Highway upgrade, Prime Minister John Briceño is pushing back against critics who say the project is too expensive. In response to Lee Mark Chang’s claim that the road is still in good shape, the prime minister made it clear: the highway has outlived its usefulness and no longer meets international standards. “It can’t even be called a highway anymore,” Briceño said. He explained that the government will cover part of the cost and is actively seeking additional financing to complete the eighteen-mile stretch between Belmopan and La Democracia. The hefty price tag, he noted, reflects the scale of the work needed to bring the road up to modern standards, something he says is long overdue. With both sides digging in, the road ahead for this project may be just as bumpy as the one it’s meant to fix.
Prime Minster John Briceño
“Really totally confused about what he is talking about. But I will just make a few points, the development of a country and its economy is based on infrastructure. We can’t run away from that. Maybe he has not been enough on the Goerge Price Highway. Maybe he does not realize that this highway is the most dangerous highway in this country, it has the most accident and people are dying. This highway connects the north to the west. The amount of trucks and wright can no longer handle it. That road was built in the seventies and eighties. It has long passed its time. The shoulders have been breaking off. Right now it does not meet international standards to be called a highway. You talk about the price, before you make these outlandish remarks you should check and not embarrass yourself. You have to strengthen the road, bridges, culverts, but also it is going to be hot mix.”
In concluding his response, P.M. Briceño argued that the U.D.P. has no moral authority to speak on the cost of the road works when eight million dollars were spent on constructing the Faber’s Road extension.
Belize hit the jackpot in 2024—not just in lucky numbers, but in national revenue. The Belize Government Lotteries Limited raked in over a hundred million dollars from Boledo and Sunday Lottery sales, marking a massive leap in earnings compared to just two years ago. According to Prime Minister John Briceño, profits more than doubled, with a significant portion of that windfall being funneled back into programs aimed at helping Belizeans. It’s a winning streak for the government’s coffers—and, potentially, for communities across the country.
Prime Minister John Briceño
Prime Minister John Briceño
“For the period November 21, 2023 through to 30th November, 2024, the government-owned and managed Belize Government Lotteries Limited recorded sales of some $111.2 million, which was for lottery sales revenues only. Additional revenues were collected for device rentals and sale of thermal paper. This was an increase of sixty-five million dollars or one hundred and forty-two percent above the sales as reported by Brads Gaming Company for the fiscal year 2022 – sixty-five million dollars more. And they mi have fi what – about twelve years – so do the math. Prize winnings paid out for the same period was seventy-seven point six million dollars, reflecting a playout percentage – We never did hear how much Brads Lottery mi di pay out. We di pay out seventy percent of sales we di pay back to the Belizean people.”
Public Service Union President Dean Flowers didn’t hold back as he took aim at the Briceño administration—and its predecessors—during Friday’s fiery protest in Belmopan. Flowers accused successive governments of treating public officers like second-class citizens, saying they’ve been handed “crumbs” while Chief Executive Officers enjoy what he described as lavish lifestyles. His remarks added fuel to an already heated demonstration, as public officers and teachers continue to demand fairer treatment and a long-overdue salary increase.
Dean Flowers, President, P.S.U.
“I know that the Briceño administration, the Barrow administration, the Musa administration and even the Esquivel administration, I know part of their formula is throw crumbs to them and keep them hungry, just don’t let them die. Their formula is not to uplift all of us and make them live like Thea Garcia and the CEOs who can travel the world for weekends, take a trip for the weekend. I know that is not the game plan to have us uplifted like that. But we must be treated with dignity and we will not allow you to continue to throw crumbs to us. We have a right to raise our voice every time you raise your voice. And, as a citizen of this country I will continue to exercise that right and let them know that none of you are better than me.”
Prime Minister John Briceño is urging caution as pressure mounts from unions demanding an 8.5% salary increase. Speaking to reporters after the ceremonial opening of Parliament this morning, the PM made it clear: the government’s budget isn’t limitless. “There’s only one pie,” Briceño said, explaining that meeting the unions’ request would add a staggering sixty-three million dollars to the national wage bill. He warned that giving in without careful planning could force the government to slash key social programs. While the unions say they’re fighting for fairness, the PM says it’s a balancing act—and one that could come with tough trade-offs.
Prime Minister John Briceño
“I think it is their right to make those demands and ask of the government. It is our responsibility to meet with them and see what we could afford. If we can afford that we will give it to them. If we can give them more we will gladly give it to them, but we have to look at the gambit of what we have. The pie is one size. It is not bigger and it is growing slowly but the demands are growing even larger. The ministry of finance made a quick estimate of what they are asking, that will add another sixty-three million dollars to the wage bill. The wage bill is over seven hundred million dollars. It gives us time to think that if we do that recklessly then we may have to cut social programs or other things we want to do, so it is a balancing act from our end. So we sit down and try to talk to them to find a common ground that can meet some of their objectives but at the same time for us to be a responsible government.”
The government’s decision to raise the salaries of Chief Executive Officers and the Cabinet Secretary has ignited outrage among unions—and fueled Friday’s massive protest in Belmopan. For many public officers and teachers, it was the move that pushed them over the edge. But Prime Minister John Briceño isn’t dodging the fallout. Speaking to reporters, he acknowledged the backlash and took full responsibility. Still, Briceño defended the decision, pointing out that the C.E.O. pay hikes totaled around three hundred thousand dollars—a far cry from the sixty-four million dollars it would take to meet the unions’ demand for an eight-point-five percent salary increase.
Prime Minister John Briceño
“The thing is when you look at that, we are looking at the hundred thousand dollars versus sixty-four million dollars, do the math.”
Marion Ali
“What consideration would you be willing to give them. I know you wrote to say yhat your team will meet with them. What consideration will you give at this time?”
Prime Minister John Briceño
“Well it is not for me to decide. It is for the group of ministers to meet with them, the DPM along with Minister Fonseca, Coye, Charles Usher, for them to meet and see what best they can find a common ground and come to me and then take it to the Cabinet.”
Reporter
“Will you meet a demand in time for the meeting. They say to answer all their communications that you have not answered before they meet. Are you prepared to do that?”
Prime Minister John Briceño
“We have answered. We have said that we have appointed a committee from within the Cabinet. So they are to meet and then they start the discussion.”
Reporter
“But do you blame Stuart Leslie the Cabinet secretary, because it is he who has the government early into the second term locked into the dispute, because he went ahead and have these lavish increases.”
Prime Minister John Briceño
“I don’t want to start an argument with you, not today, but I don’t know how youcould describe it as lavish because it is really not lavish and at the end of the day I have to take responsibility as the prime minister and minister of finance so if you want to blame anyone blame me, I will take the blame.”
The first official sitting of the House of Representatives since the March twelfth general elections took place this morning in front of the Sir Edney Cain Building, setting the tone for the Briceño administration’s second term. Members of both the House and Senate gathered for the ceremonial event, which featured speeches from Speaker of the House Valerie Woods, Governor-General Dame Froyla T’zalam, and Prime Minister John Briceño. But it was a moment of real-life heroism that stole the spotlight. The Prime Minister paused to recognize Tropic Air pilot Howell Grange and passenger Jair Castaneda, who helped prevent a potentially deadly hijacking on April seventeenth. Both men were present and received a standing ovation. Another passenger, Fitzgerald Brown, remains hospitalized. Briceño also addressed the recently declared State of Emergency, signaling that serious national issues are already on the table as the new term begins. News Five’s Marion Ali has the full story in tonight’s newscast.
Marion Ali, Reporting
With the sound of the Belize Defense Force band leading the way, the ceremonial Sitting of the House of Representatives officially welcomed the country’s newly configured government this morning. In a formal yet spirited event, Valerie Woods was sworn in once again as Speaker of the House, joined by Marconi Leal Jr., who took the oath as Deputy Speaker. One by one, the newly elected parliamentarians followed suit, taking their Oath of Allegiance and marking the start of a fresh legislative term. Governor General Dame Froyla Tzalam is calling on the government to step up its efforts in education, saying it’s key to shaping the next generation of Belizean leaders. She emphasized the need to strengthen critical areas in the education system to ensure young Belizeans are equipped with the tools they need to succeed.
Dame Froyla Tzalam
Dame Froyla Tzalam, Governor General
“Government will continue to work towards greater economic opportunity and social justice to improve the lives of every Belizean with well-paying and meaningful work. As a nation, we must immediately create a technological revolution to support our efforts to enhance our primary and tertiary sectors. Government is proposing an ambitious agenda to keep our country moving on this path.”
Prime Minister John Briceño is promising a more collaborative approach as his government begins its new term, vowing to work closely with all stakeholders to move the country forward. Speaking at the assembly, Briceño also addressed the controversial State of Emergency declared earlier this week. He defended the move as a necessary step to restore calm and crack down on rising criminal activity.
Prime Minister John Briceño
Prime Minister John Briceño
“The intra-gang wars that kill Belizeans, that spread fear through our otherwise peaceful neighborhoods and communities, which threatens our way of life must be defeated. My government intends to take every step needed to rid this cancer. In addition to the State of Emergency, which is a temporary measure, we will continue our extensive efforts at mediating and offering alternatives to violence. Our government has dedicated substantial human and monetary resources to mediation. On the other side of the coin, resources and resolve continue to flow to the police department to ensure that additional well-trained personnel can be deployed to problem areas without sacrificing the security of the wider community.”
With crime high on the national agenda, Prime Minister John Briceño announced a series of new security measures aimed at restoring peace and order across Belize. The PM revealed that a new network of security cameras will soon be rolled out, and over two hundred police recruits are set to graduate next month from the Police Training Academy, adding fresh boots on the ground. He also shared plans to build additional police stations across the country to strengthen law enforcement presence in key areas. Before wrapping up, Briceño took a moment to honor real-life heroes. Tropic Air pilot Howell Grange and employee Jair Castaneda, who were injured while helping to stop a hijacking on April seventeenth, were present at the sitting and received a standing ovation. Another passenger, Fitzgerald Brown, remains hospitalized. It was a moment of gratitude and resolve—one that underscored the government’s dual focus on public safety and national pride.
Prime Minister John Briceño
“All three men were badly injured in an almost two-hour long ordeal, but because they would not give up and because they kept their wits, all passengers survived to tell the tale. Because of the bravery of these men, the hijacker was neutralized before he could harm any other passengers aboard flight that day. Imagine if you will, that were it not for these men and the quick thinking and calm of Captain Grange, that plane could have been forced down in a populated area, causing mass casualties. This is real adversity, and it took real courage to avert it.”
The Port of Belize project, reacquired by the Briceno’s last administration, was another topic in his speech. The project, he said, is now in need of repair and expansion.
Prime Minister John Briceño
“We are moving forward with a massive development project that is intended to transform the cargo, bulk, and cruise facilities in an environmentally responsible way. The port is Belize’s marine access to the world. It must hasten to ensure that the on-land facilities and the channel and harbor provide the most cost-effective on-time, efficient link.”
The sugar industry, long considered the economic lifeblood of northern Belize, took center stage in Prime Minister John Briceño’s address during the ceremonial opening of Parliament. Fresh off the heels of a recently completed Commission of Inquiry, the PM announced plans to reform and modernize the sector. Marion Ali for News Five.
While she may not be able to preside over every House session due to ongoing cancer treatment, Speaker of the House Valerie Woods remains focused on progress. In today’s ceremonial sitting, Woods confirmed that newly appointed Deputy Speaker Marconi Leal Junior will step in when needed. But she also shared her excitement about the future of parliament—highlighting the soon-to-be-unveiled renovated chamber, complete with upgraded tools, revised Standing Orders, and a new Code of Conduct to better guide the work of the House. Despite personal challenges, Woods’ message was one of optimism and readiness for a more modern, accountable legislative process.
Valerie Woods, Speaker of the House
“ Later this year, after 55 years since the construction of the National Assembly Building, we anticipate the opening of a newly renovated and more accessible contemporary space first. Furthermore, this year, we should witness the implementation of a user-friendly parliamentary website. And the first ever Parliament’s distinctive logo for the legislature as a separate branch of government. Additionally, during this session of the House of Representatives, we should be revising the Standing Orders and establish a code of conduct. In regard to the administrative management under the stewardship of the clerk, we will be implementing the recommendations from the planning tools for enhanced governance, which were made possible with the assistance of the U.N.D.P. Belize office based on the review conducted by the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association.”
Prime Minister John Briceño is setting the record straight: there was no delay in calling the first parliamentary session—just careful planning. Speaking to reporters, the PM explained that the timing of the session is entirely up to the government, and they chose what they believed was the right moment. During that time, the government was also fine-tuning the national budget. Some had speculated that the delay was linked to the U.S. government’s cancellation of the Millennium Challenge Corporation grant, which had been approved last June for poverty-alleviation projects. But Briceño dismissed that theory, saying the budget adjustments had little to do with the MCC decision.
Prime Minister John Briceño
“We wanted to make it. Even a bigger event. We were trying to see if we could have gotten somebody to come to Belize to address the first opening of Parliament. But it did that work out because that person’s schedule just did not work. But it also gave us time to make a readjustment with the budget. The budget was almost finished, but because we changed some departments and some ministries were reconfigured, it took a little bit of time to be able to fix that, so it was not deliberate but here we are today.”
Reporter
“Any of the issues had to do with the cancellation of the M.C.C.? Did that affect the government’s budget?
Prime Minister John Briceño
“No, the MCC is not a part of the budget, so that has nothing do – that played no role.”
Marion Ali
“Then how will the government finish the projects?
Prime Minister John Briceño
“But the point is that the M.C.C. was not a part of the budget. They came here and then we met with them and we did within record time, manage to get a compact sign for $125,000 million U.S., of which 20% have been for energy, and also for teaching. We already knew what are the challenges we face in the educational system. So, they would’ve been helping us and would’ve made it easier. But now they’re not then we have to look and see how we are going to find the money and start to make the adjustments between the educational system.”
