Panton Challenges Briceño On Economic Reality

The government is pointing to economic growth as evidence that Belize is moving forward, but Opposition Leader Tracy Panton says the numbers must match the reality on the ground. Responding to Prime Minister John Briceño’s State of the Nation remarks, Panton questioned whether Belizeans are truly benefiting from the country’s economic gains. She also pressed the Prime Minister on Belize’s recent credit rating, challenging his broader assessment of the nation’s economic performance.

 

Tracy Panton, Leader of the Opposition

“When you go to the grocery store, are we feeling the 5.1 percent growth. When you fill your vehicle with fuel approaching sixteen dollars a gallon, are we feeling it. When we pay our electricity bill, rent, put food on the table, our economy cannot simply look good on paper, it has to work for the people.  The Prime Minister also spoke about Belize’s B-minus credit rating. Let us put that into perspective. B minus is still deep within speculative-grade territory. It is not something we should dress up and celebrate as proof that all is well.”

 

Attention readers: This online newscast is a direct transcript of our evening television broadcast. When speakers use Kriol, we have carefully rendered their words using a standard spelling system.

 

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