PM Briceño Clashes with Opposition Leader in Budget Debate Finale

Prime Minister John Briceño wrapped up three days of budget debate in the National Assembly late Wednesday evening with pointed criticism aimed directly at Opposition Leader Tracy Panton.

Opening his closing remarks, Briceño described Panton’s budget presentation as lacking substance and analysis. “The listening public received key details on how Plan Belize 2.0 is delivering for the Belizean people as well as how we plan to keep delivering for the benefit of all,” the Prime Minister said. “From those on the other side, especially the leader of the opposition, they received a dry and dragged out ramble with little substance and no true analysis of the budget.”

He continued, “The leader of the opposition was poorly prepared and failed in a real analysis of the national budget proposal. She tried unsuccessfully to deceive and distort the facts and many of my colleagues were quick to point this out.”

The Prime Minister then made remarks that drew an immediate response from Panton, after referencing her disability. “And perhaps this is where her disability lies. Her disability lies in her inability to properly analyze and provide alternatives, exposing her lack of qualifications to lead a nation,” Briceño said.

We will have more from the final day of budget debate on News 5 Live at 6 p.m., only on GBM.