A $125-million-US-dollar grant may sound like free money, but in international relations, major investments often raise questions about influence and expectations. In recent years, the United States has pressed Belize on matters ranging from migration and security to its relationship with Cuba. With the Millennium Challenge Compact now beginning its five-year run, what happens if Washington’s priorities shift and Belize faces pressure to make difficult diplomatic choices? Prime Minister John Briceño insists the agreement leaves no room for surprises. He says Belize must deliver the compact’s goals, account for every dollar and uphold democratic governance. The U.S. Ambassador also rejects the idea of a political trade-off, describing the investment as another chapter in a long-standing partnership between both countries.
Shane Williams
“We have seen the United States made tough requests of Belize over the last few years, rehousing a convicted terrorist becoming a safe third country. With this being a five-year program would Belize’s response to these type of requests over the next five years impact the future of this compact?”
Prime Minister John Briceno
Prime Minister John Briceno
“Many countries would wish that they would be selected, and as I said earlier, it’s a grant. The only strings attached are that we’re able to meet the goals that we set, that there’s going to be accountability, that we continue to live up to the ideals of a free society, of democracy, the freedom of speech, protected in media, ensuring that we’ll be able to meet the goals that we’ve set. So that’s the only string and the issue of governance, that is– There are things that we have been committed to in Plan Belize and Plan Belize 2.0.”
Andre Bauer
H.E. Andre Bauer, US Ambassador to Belize
“I would say this is not a tit for tat. There are no strings attached. This is a demonstration of a long-term relationship the United States has had with Belize. Before with Belize was even Belize we were working with this country. We believed in this country. But what you’re seeing now is a reprioritization of the Trump administration. They have decided to reprioritize funds heavily in the Western Hemisphere, and this is one of our best partners in the Western Hemisphere. We import more than any other country to this country. We have more tourists come to this country than any other country, and we consider this a major friend in the Western Hemisphere, and a safer Belize is a safer America.”
Belize has committed US$55 million towards the Millenium Compact Account, demonstrating its commitment to the success of the program and bridging the gap in finance created by adding energy sector projects to the agreement.
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