Panton Highlights Experience but Offers No New Employment Plan

With all the criticism made against the government by the UDP, Love News asked the party leader what she would do differently in the area of employment had she been in government.  Interestingly, the party leader stopped short of outlining a specific proposal for increasing employment opportunities for Belizeans, but rather she largely focused on her previous service under the Dean Barrow administration, highlighting positions she held and her experience in government.

Reporter: How would you guys as the UDP ensure that investments translate into jobs and higher incomes locally ? 

Tracy Panton, Leader of the Opposition: “When did you start being a reporter? Last month. Last month. Let me say this. I don’t know if you know much about me but I served as the Director of Tourism, as the Chief Executive Officer in the Ministry of Tourism, Culture, Civil Aviation, I served at the Minister of State in the Ministry of Economic Development, Investment, Trade and Commerce. I was responsible for the Cabinet Subcommittee on Investments. And let me tell you, the investments that I provide oversight over made sure there was a built in mechanism to ensure that any investments that come to this country involves and includes and supports the Belizean communities that these investments exist in. I am very proud. I am particularly proud of the foundational work we have done as the United Democratic Party in the industries that I have told you. Our Cabinet Subcommittee on Investments had priority areas. What were our priorities? We had them identified and went looking for strategic investors to help us to develop those sectors. Tourism, agriculture, the airline sector sporting facilities, they keep saying where is the roll it petroleum fund. Look around this country and see all the infrastructure that we have invested for sport. So I can assure, Love FM and your listenership that the UDP once we’re back in government will do what we have always done is ensure that we put the people of this country first.”

We will have additional reports from today’s UDP press conference later in this newscast./