Opposition Leader Slams Budget as “Incredulous”

Opposition Leader Tracy Panton has sharply criticised the government’s latest budget, calling it “incredulous” and warning that it places too much pressure on ordinary Belizeans while offering little relief for the rising cost of living.

Panton told News Five that the theme of “prosperity for Belizeans” rang hollow in light of the country’s $4.63 billion public debt and the government’s plan to spend $450 million on port infrastructure, which she said represents roughly half of the national budget for the year.

Panton also challenged the government’s projected revenue increases, saying there was little explanation of how those targets would be achieved. According to Panton, the burden continues to fall mainly on the working class. “It continues to be that the working class continues to carry the greatest burden,” Panton said.

She also argued that the budget failed to clearly address key “bread and butter” issues affecting families and small businesses, including the high cost of living, support for farmers, transportation challenges, and opportunities for young people entering the workforce. “Our young people are now relegated to call centres,” she said.

Panton dismissed the prime minister’s portrayal of the budget as a time of “milk and honey”, insisting that only “the favoured few” benefiting from large infrastructure projects will see real gains.