Henry Usher Backs 2026-2027 National Budget Plan

Minister of Public Service, Constitutional and Political Reform, Henry Charles Usher, has welcomed key elements of the national budget presented yesterday by Prime Minister John Briceño, describing the proposal as one that continues to support economic stability while strengthening public services.  Prime Minister Briceño unveiled a $1.902 billion budget for the 2026–2027 fiscal year during the sitting of the House of Representatives of Belize. 

Speaking with Love News, Minister Usher said the budget reflects the government’s ongoing focus on maintaining economic growth while ensuring resources are directed toward improving services for Belizeans.  He also highlighted allocations within the budget earmarked for the National Fire Service, noting that continued investment in the department is critical to strengthening emergency response capabilities across the country.

Henry Charles Usher, Minister of Public Service: “I think that it is a budget that is focused on continuing the work of Plan Belize 1.0 and of this new Plan Belize 2.0 in terms of the infrastructure work, in terms of housing, in terms of expanding healthcare, expanding education services. I’m proud to support this budget and certainly I think that it is a budget number one there are no increases in taxes. Very important. You’re seeing that the services being provided and the work being done is work that can be supported by the revenue that the country is generating. So I think that’s important also that it is a budget that shows a primary surplus, manageable overall deficit. But I think it’s important to recognize the work being done by this government, by the Prime Minister in making sure that the budget is one that the country can afford. If you’re talking about National Fire Service we are doing some capital two work in the disaster risk management, in NEMO, in National Met Service, and with National Fire Service. So we might see a small increase there. But in terms of recurrent expenditure, it’s about the same as last year. We just want to make sure that we can do and expand the services that we provide.”

This year’s budget is titled, “Budgeting for Belizean Prosperity”.  The financial plan outlines projected revenues and grants of $1.79 billion, alongside increased capital investments totaling $606.8 million.