By Breaking Belize News Staff: New United States Ambassador to Belize André Bauer says he wants the massive Millennium Challenge Corporation investment in Belize to translate into greater opportunities for young people, improved education and lower electricity costs.
Speaking shortly after arriving in Belize on Friday, Bauer repeatedly identified the MCC compact as one of the major opportunities before the two countries.
The United States, through the MCC, is providing Belize with a US$125 million grant, while the Government of Belize is contributing approximately US$54.94 million. The compact is focused principally on education and energy.
Bauer said he was particularly interested in how the investment could help young Belizeans find alternatives to drugs and other destructive paths.
“What can we do for the young people? How can we show them a path that that’s not the path they want to go down?” Bauer asked.
He suggested that apprenticeships, technical training and trade skills could play an important role in expanding opportunities.
“I think we need to have a serious conversation and engage in all we can with the MCC to see where some of those dollars can be spent to lift those young people up,” Bauer said.
The compact’s Education Project is intended to improve secondary and technical and vocational education, while the Energy Project is designed to reduce the wholesale cost of electricity and support renewable-energy development and modernization of the power grid.
MCA-Belize, the entity established to implement the compact locally, currently lists Dr. Marcia Bouloy as executive director, while MCC Resident Country Director Jenner Edelman serves as the MCC observer within its governance structure.
Asked specifically about the selection and administrative processes surrounding MCC leadership and monitoring of expenditure, Bauer acknowledged that he had only just arrived and was not yet sufficiently briefed on those details.
He promised to follow up.
The post New U.S. Ambassador André Bauer wants $125 million MCC compact to create opportunities for Belizean youth and lower energy costs appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Breaking Belize News Staff: New United States Ambassador to Belize André Bauer says he wants the massive Millennium Challenge Corporation investment in Belize to translate into greater opportunities for young people, improved education and lower electricity costs. Speaking shortly after arriving in Belize on Friday, Bauer repeatedly identified the MCC compact as one of
The post New U.S. Ambassador André Bauer wants $125 million MCC compact to create opportunities for Belizean youth and lower energy costs appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.