By Breaking Belize News Staff: The clock is officially running on one of the largest grant programmes ever secured by Belize, with the US$125 million Millennium Challenge Corporation Compact moving from planning into implementation.
The Government of Belize and the United States officially launched the programme on September 18, beginning a five year period to complete investments and reforms in the education and energy sectors.
The programme combines a US$125 million U.S. grant with nearly US$55 million in Belize Government contributions.
In education, the compact will focus on secondary education, teacher and school leadership development, learning outcomes and technical and vocational education designed to better connect training with labour market needs.
The Energy Project is aimed at reducing the wholesale cost of electricity and strengthening the reliability of the national electricity system.
A significant part of the revised programme will be a new submarine electricity transmission cable connecting the mainland with Ambergris Caye.
The allocation between the two projects changed following a U.S. foreign assistance review. US$20 million in MCC funding was transferred from education to energy, although the Government of Belize committed additional resources to both sectors.
In an interview with 7 News Belize, U.S. Ambassador André Bauer said Belize’s own financial contribution demonstrates that the programme is a partnership rather than one based on dependency.
Prime Minister John Briceño said the compact will require Belize to meet agreed goals and accountability and governance requirements.
The launch means the lengthy planning and negotiation stage is now over, with MCA Belize responsible for leading implementation of the compact.
The post Belize begins five year clock to deliver major education and energy projects appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Breaking Belize News Staff: The clock is officially running on one of the largest grant programmes ever secured by Belize, with the US$125 million Millennium Challenge Corporation Compact moving from planning into implementation. The Government of Belize and the United States officially launched the programme on September 18, beginning a five year period to complete
The post Belize begins five year clock to deliver major education and energy projects appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
