Opposition Backs Disaster Funding, But Wants Every Dollar Tracked

During Thursday’s House of Representatives meeting, Opposition Leader Tracy Panton said the opposition supports access to emergency funding for disasters and public health crises but warned that oversight on transparency and accountability are non-negotiable.

“We will never stand in the way of having access to emergency financing, but we place on record the need for strict accountability, prudent management, and transparency to the Belizean people,” Panton said.

“We ask that there be transparency, the gold standard that you promised, Prime Minister, accountability, and at all times when it comes to these emergency funds, parliamentary oversight,” Panton added.

Minister of Public Service and Disaster Risk Management Henry Charles Usher revealed that an anticipatory funding mechanism had already been triggered, with cash advances issued to farmers in Corozal, Orange Walk, and Cayo to prepare for an extended drought forecast for this year.

Funds are expected to go toward water storage, irrigation, and drought-resistant seeds.

“ It wasn’t much, but again, it’s about forward thinking, forward planning,” Usher said. “Even though forecasts suggest a below-average hurricane season, we can’t take that for granted.”

The motion received support from both sides of the House, and was referred to the Finance and Economic Development Committee for review.