PM Briceño Declares Belize “Fighting Fit” in State of the Nation Address

Prime Minister John Briceño struck an optimistic tone in his State of the Nation Address, declaring, “the state of the nation is fighting fit.” He spoke on economic growth, wage increases, and international recognition while assuring Belizeans that his administration has steered the country from the brink of collapse.

Briceño pointed to the International Monetary Fund’s positive report cards, noting, “2024 growth stood at 8.1 percent… employment has surged to over 95 percent, with widespread reports of worker shortages.” He also announced that the minimum wage will rise again to six dollars an hour and credited his government with “almost doubling” the guaranteed income of hourly workers.

On wages for public officers, teachers, and security forces, he said, “more than 15,000… stand to gain over 100 million dollars in additional wages,” describing the package as possible only because of what he called “the almost miraculous repair and reconstruction of the public finances.”

But while the address painted a picture of resilience, the government’s critics will note that Briceño glossed over persistent hardships. Sugar farmers, for instance, face another year of decline due to fusarium, with production expected to fall by as much as 20 percent. Though the PM pledged millions in rehabilitation funds, the reality is that cane farmers in the North remain on edge.

Similarly, the Prime Minister applauded the expansion of coconut, poultry, and soy investments, boasting of “over $170 million in strategic investments in agriculture value adding within the last three years.” Yet, small farmers struggling with climate shocks and disease may feel left behind by a narrative focused heavily on large-scale investment and exports.

Security was another point of emphasis. Briceño reported that “major crimes have fallen by 3 percent this year and murders are down, by 20 percent, through the end of August compared to last year.” However, his firm defense of the controversial 13th Constitutional Amendment raised eyebrows: “We will not be swayed by naysayers who conjure imaginary victims of state overreach while the real victims of the criminals are overlooked.” Civil society groups fear that this approach risks undermining civil liberties.

The Prime Minister also addressed the Joseph Budna case, insisting, “this Government did not and would never sanction an extra-judicial extradition of any Belizean.” That reassurance may do little to calm public unease about the transparency and independence of police investigations.

To the government’s credit, it has delivered clear wins in tourism and infrastructure. Overnight visitors grew by 1.3 percent, cruise arrivals by 5.3 percent, and a planned $800 million upgrade to the Port of Belize promises to boost trade and cruise tourism. Briceño also confirmed new solar power projects, with over $140 million in investment to deliver 95 MW of clean energy by 2026.

Critics who saw the speech say that while it celebrated progress, the address was light on solutions for worsening inequality, cost of living pressures, and the fragile reality facing thousands of ordinary Belizeans who don’t yet feel “fighting fit.”