By Aaron Humes: Leader of the Opposition United Democratic Party (UDP) Tracey Taegar-Panton is leading off the Budget Debate, promising to give a thorough review of the work done, and promised yet to be done, by the Government.
“Our duty here is to review the numbers, the policies and priorities behind these statements. When we do so carefully, when we move beyond the rhetoric, and look squarely at the realities confronting many Belizean households, a vastly different picture begins to emerge,” Taegar-Panton began, adding that prosperity is measured in different ways – mothers putting food on the table, graduates finding meaningful work, businesses finding their way in a difficult world, being safe and protected. “The reality many of us are facing is unmistakable, palpable: too many of us are working harder than ever, yet feeling as though we are falling further behind,” she noted.
The Opposition Leader argued that even with the increase in minimum wage from $3.30 to $5 per hour, purchasing power has not increased and a Belizean family of four can no longer afford to live on $100 per week. Taxes are biting, especially for fuel and up to today, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).
As for unemployment, the 2 percent figure needs qualification: it is the percentage of those not actively seeking work. There continues to be issues with the labour market and a majority continue to seek stable and longstanding jobs.
Belize continues to spend more than what it earns – one of every seven dollars the Government spends goes to servicing public debt; contrary to the ‘economic dynamism’ promised by #planbelize2.0, the Government appears to be reversing course, the Opposition Leader said.
She called the Government’s mantra of ‘Budgeting for Belizean Prosperity’ a “farce,” considering the national trade deficit of $251 million in January of this year. She questioned what and where are Government’s strategies for developing manufacturing, the digital economy, investments in education and technology.
“Belize cannot achieve sustained prosperity with only a modest two percent growth rate. Belize…should set its sights higher,” Taegar-Panton reasoned. While influenced by global events, Belize cannot ignore such events, but the Government has been “out of touch” even before recent events, she continued.
The post Leader of the Opposition: “Vastly different picture” beyond “farce” of Budget appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Aaron Humes: Leader of the Opposition United Democratic Party (UDP) Tracey Taegar-Panton is leading off the Budget Debate, promising to give a thorough review of the work done, and promised yet to be done, by the Government. “Our duty here is to review the numbers, the policies and priorities behind these statements. When we
The post Leader of the Opposition: “Vastly different picture” beyond “farce” of Budget appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
