The Government has set three main targets for 2030: cut poverty below 10%, grow the economy by more than 7% a year and bring public debt below 60% of GDP.
The targets form part of Plan Belize 2.0, the Government’s Midterm Development Strategy. The five-year plan sets 14 objectives across five pillars, including economic transformation, social protection, agriculture and climate resilience.
Under the theme “From Plan to Prosperity”, it also seeks to reduce homicides.
“We have to be more deliberate about our choices, more coordinated in our efforts and much more disciplined about following through,” Prime Minister John Briceño said.
But the Government’s vision for prosperity comes as public frustration over rising living costs continues to spill into the streets. Union Senator Glenfield Dennison has been staging daily demonstrations over the cost of living, while the National Trade Union Congress of Belize backed today’s “Enough is Enough” protest in Belmopan.
Dozens of demonstrators gathered outside the National Assembly, demanding relief and better governance. Among them was Opposition Leader Tracy Panton, who said she wanted to stand in solidarity with those calling for change.
“I think it’s really important to stand up for the things you believe in,” Panton said.
Meanwhile, Briceño admits past plans have fallen short. “We have all seen plans with good intentions that never quite make it beyond the planning stage,” he said, adding that the challenge now is disciplined execution.
