By Zoila Palma: Today, Leader of the Opposition Tracy Panton said that the rising cost of living is pushing Belizean families to the brink of poverty.
“The rising cost of food, fuel and electricity is pushing more families to the brink of poverty and widening the gap between those who have and those who don’t. When young people see fewer paths to a decent living, criminal networks have more room to recruit. Cabinet has announced that it is working on a cost-of-living plan. Publish the measures. Tell families who will qualify, how much relief they can expect, when it will reach them and how it will be funded,” Panton said.
Panton added that some reports suggest that government departments could face spending cuts of up to 25 percent.
“The Government must confirm what is being cut and explain how it will protect essential services. It must also publish its policy on publicly funded foreign travel, including who approves trips, who travels, what each delegation costs and what Belize gains from it,” Panton added.
Panton says that the Government and the Belize Tourism Board (BTB) should tell coastal communities what support they can expect for sargassum management.
In addition, the Leader of the Opposition says that Belize’s sovereignty and border security demand sustained attention.
“The reported intimidation of a Belize Defence Force patrol by Guatemalan armed forces in the Sarstoon demands a firm response and proper equipment for the men and women who patrol our waters. In the north, reports of illicit cigarette shipments through the Corozal Free Zone warrant stronger enforcement and transparent investigation. The Government should explain what it is doing to detect the trafficking of drugs and ammunition, disrupt organised criminal networks and investigate any credible evidence of official involvement,” she added.
Panton also reiterated that farmers, manufacturers and small businesses are struggling with high input costs.
She further calls on all Belizeans to take a stand.
The post Leader of Opposition says rising cost of living pushing families to the brink of poverty appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Zoila Palma: Today, Leader of the Opposition Tracy Panton said that the rising cost of living is pushing Belizean families to the brink of poverty. “The rising cost of food, fuel and electricity is pushing more families to the brink of poverty and widening the gap between those who have and those who don’t.
The post Leader of Opposition says rising cost of living pushing families to the brink of poverty appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
