Posted: Sunday, June 1, 2025. 8:17 pm CST.
By Aaron Humes: Wednesday’s third day of the Budget Debate saw responses from Godwin Haylock, the newly elected representative for Queen Square, and another fresh face in the Opposition, Cayo West’s Miguel Guerra. Their senior colleague, Hugo Patt of Corozal North, however, was a no-show for all three days of the debate.
Haylock, an attorney by profession, passionately raised concerns about the allocation of funds in the recently presented budget, particularly regarding education and public transportation. Haylock highlighted a significant increase in the education budget, which totals $303 million, reflecting a $14 million rise. However, he stressed that while personal emoluments, which cover salaries and allowances, have surged to $208 million—an increase of $83 million compared to last year—there appears to be a lack of commitment to raise teacher salaries. He challenged the current government, stating, “Come on, Mr. Minister of Education. It shows that this government can find money for what they want to.” He referenced the previous UDP government’s record of raising teacher salaries by over 20 percent between 2014 and 2020, accusing the current administration of disrespecting public servants and the unions they represent.
Haylock also criticized the budget allocation for public transportation, which is set to increase from $6.1 million to $7.8 million. He pointed out that the majority of the increase—$1.5 million—is designated for recurrent revenues rather than infrastructure improvements, like bus terminals. “This is the fifth national budget presented by the member from Orange Walk Central,” he lamented. “It contains not even a shilling of hope that this government cares about communities.”
Following Haylock’s speech, Minister of Home Affairs & New Growth Industries, Kareem Musa, took to the floor. He opened by rebuking Haylock’s party, the UDP, for the absence of their deputy leader Patt during three days of debates: “It goes to show that what the people think of the UDP might just be true. It is all about themselves and this power grab.”
Musa also countered Haylock’s criticism of the transport ministry, reminding the Assembly that the issues within the transport industry have their roots in the UDP’s prolonged governance. He underscored the need for collaboration on proposed solutions like mobile ticketing and the establishment of a new enforcement team, which he claimed are part of a comprehensive plan to revive the transport sector.
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The post Opposition’s Godwin Haylock addresses education and transport budget concerns in maiden speech appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
Posted: Sunday, June 1, 2025. 8:17 pm CST. By Aaron Humes: Wednesday’s third day of the Budget Debate saw responses from Godwin Haylock, the newly elected
The post Opposition’s Godwin Haylock addresses education and transport budget concerns in maiden speech appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
