PUP marks five years in office; PM touts economic gains

The People’s United Party is marking its 5th year in office after being elected on November 11, 2020.  Prime Minister John Briceno reflected on the milestone via a prerecorded video, recalling the state of the economy when they first took office.  He also listed a handful of major accomplishments that his administration has achieved.

John Briceño, Prime Minister of Belize: “As pupils of George Price, service to the people should always be our high purpose as elected officials. And with the blessings of the Almighty, let us persevere in our forward march. This week, our government marks the fifth anniversary since the historic mandate given to us by the Belizean people on November 11, 2020. You renewed that mandate in March of this year. These have been no ordinary five years, recovering from the COVID pandemic, especially for the hard-hit tourism sector was rapid and Belize has long surpassed the pre-COVID performance markers. Recovering from the 13-year UDP Scourge has been more challenging, but Plan Belize delivered on multiple fronts, none more crucial than growing the economy and providing good jobs for our people. National Health Insurance coverage for every Belizean is within sight. And earlier this year, we approved wage and pension increases that will total $112 million per year to the over 15,000 public officers, teachers and security personnel. No government has invested more in our students, teachers and classrooms. Recently, the government purchased the three hydro power plants previously owned by Fortis Canada and plans to offer shares to Belizeans in this company so that these profits remain in Belize. And we took back the people’s Boledo, which is now on track to earn $30 million in a single year for the public purse. These and many other achievements of Plan Belize show what’s possible when government honors its compact with the people.” 

In 2020, the PUP won by a landslide by taking 26 of the 31 seats in the House of Representatives. They repeated this victory earlier this year in March when they retained 26 seats.