From sargassum choking Belize’s coastline to the rising cost of imported food and fuel, some of the country’s biggest challenges require more money than Belize can provide alone. That is why Prime Minister John Briceño is in Bangkok for the 2026 IMF-World Bank Annual Meetings, making the case for financing that can protect tourism, boost local production and expand renewable energy. Here is how he says those investments could strengthen Belize’s future.
Prime Minister John Briceño
Prime Minister John Briceño
“Belize bears the costs of challenges we did little to create. Sargassum washing onto our shores threatens tourism, livelihoods and our economy. Climate change and powerful practices across the region compounded this burden. We are meeting with the World Bank to advance financing for projects to remove the sargassum and explore its potential to generate energy. We are making encouraging progress. We are also seeking support for small and medium-sized farmers. They have endured repeated hardships. Strengthening agriculture means protecting their livelihoods and our food security. Energy security is another urgent priority. Belizeans deserve reliable electricity. We are determined to end black outs and expand our energy capacity, supported by the Millennium Challenge Compact and our partnership with the United States. In the coming days, I will chair a meeting of more than fifty leaders, many of them finance ministers, on delivering for small states. Our message will be clear. Strategies must become action and action must produce results. Better jobs, great opportunity and improved living standards. Our delegation is working to ensure Belize’s needs are heard and addressed. Belize is here to help lead and we will keep pressing for results that our people can see and feel.”
Minister Osmond Martinez told an IMF-World Bank roundtable that climate disasters are pushing small island states deeper into debt and leaving less money to prepare for future crises.
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