SOUND BITES Special Sitting of the House of Representatives Budget 2023-24 Debate

Deputy Prime Minister and Area Representative Lake Independence, Hon Cordel Hyde: “I’m proud of being a part of a government that sees the importance of building homes of dignity for people. 11 thousand house lots are being surveyed for distribution to first-time landowners. This will lift 3% of the Belizean population who will be lifted out of poverty by receiving land assets It costs $1,000 to send a child to school, but it cost $5,000 to send that same to Hattieville, so better we spend the money now”.

Hon. Francis Fonseca, Minister of Education, Culture Science and Technology, Freetown: “This year again, we are committing another BZ $1 MILLION to the Rural Education Grant Fund – Hungry students cannot learn so we are ensuring that students get a nourishing meal daily while they are at school is key to getting students to come to school and to stay in school. We have established an Inclusion Corner on the 501academy, to support parents of children with special needs. We made sure that providing resources and information is a priority. The best antidote to poverty is educationeducating our people, equipping them with the skills, knowledge, values, and attitudes they need to participate fully in the development of the country.”

Hon. Kareem Musa Member, Minister of Home Affairs and New Growth Enterprise, Caribbean Shores: “Thanks to the Prime Minister and this new budget there will be another recruit squad of 225 police officers. To combat Cybercrime and Cyberbullying, as 86 Police officers have received scholarships to complete an internationally recognized certification in digital forensics and as first responders to cyber-related crimes. Nation build is not for the faint of heart like Ali, the Belizean Government and more importantly, the Belizean people are battled tested, and ready to continue.”

Hon. Dolores Balderamos-Garcia, Minister of State of Human Development, Families & Indigenous Peoples' Affairs, Belize Rural Central: “We are working on the economy and the governance of this country with fiscal responsibility, we are offering prudent management, and we are also focusing on business and entrepreneurship while not forgetting the social safety net. It is a privilege to serve, with all my might, heart, soul, and every fiber of my being. This government which I am proud to be a part of.”

Hon. Ramiro Ramirez Area Representative of Corozal SouthWest: “Thanks to PlanBelize and thanks to the Prime Minister in 2 years and 4 months small and medium, and large projects are done, and some going on as we speak right now in Libertad, we put in an extension to the water system. In 13 years under the UPD 1 house was built and that house belong to the former area representative Angel Campos. We have installed over 153 new lights but nuh pick we put it where it needs to go where it’s dark and upgrade the sugar roads.”

Hon. Michel Chebat. Minister of Public Utilities, Energy, Logistics and E-governance, Cayo North: “This government’s commit- ment to digital transformation is unwavering and we are determined to build a digital Belize that serves and meets the needs of all our citizens. BEL intends to invest over $500 million over the next four years. This will include the expansion of rural electrification throughout the country. The first digital connection center was launched yesterday, in addition to this over the next six months 11 additional centers will be opened.”

Hon. Andre Perez, Minister of Blue Economy and Civil Aviation, Belize Rural South: "In this issue of sargassum that is plaguing our country, we have launched a test pilot project to capture sargassum on the waters. If it works in San Pedro and Caye Caulker, we'll look at it as a national project. I am proud to report that within two years our ministry has developed the first successful Blue economy policy and strategy."

Hon. Orlando Habet, Minister of Sustainable Development, Climate Change and Disaster Risk Management, Cayo NorthEast: “Our women CEOs, and of all departments continue to support this government and planBelize. My Ministry has 28% of women in departments high and middle management. I am happy that this budget provides the opportunity to hire more of these educated women to provide equity within our Ministry. “

Hon Michael Espat, Area Representative, Toledo East: “The Minister of Tourism promised me today that he is going to find the necessary financing to do the old bridge going into the Punta Gorda town. The Prime Minister has allocated some monies this week where the mayor and councils will find a contractor to start to pave two areas.”

Hon. Florencio Marin Jr., Minister of National Defence & Border Security, Corozal SouthEast: “Our soldiers, sailors, and civilians have displayed dedication. Our Belize Defence Force is currently in training, we will renovate the Forward Operating Base at the Sarstoon to ensure that we maintain a visible, strong military presence on our border. The ministry is currently in talks with the Ministry of Education to sign an MOU"

Hon. Henry Charles Usher, Public Service, Energy and Public Utilities; and Elections, Political Reform, Religious Affairs, Fort George: “He(Leader of the Opposition) tried to distance himself from his father’s administration but he was forced to admit that he was benefitting from the public trough, or as I said last year, sucking from the spigot of power. All the members of the other side either sat at the table or on the periphery of the table as the country sank into financial ruin. They turned a blind eye to the pain and suffering caused by the misdeeds and corruption and national robbery of the past administration. He was going to present and alternative budget…the country is still waiting."