From preparing students for the workforce to cutting the high cost of electricity, one of the largest grant investments in Belize’s history is now moving into action. The Government of Belize and the United States Government, through the Millennium Challenge Corporation, have officially launched the five-year implementation of the US$125 million Belize Compact. The program will strengthen secondary and technical education, modernize the energy sector and improve electricity transmission to Ambergris Caye. Officials say the investments should produce benefits far beyond classrooms and power lines by supporting businesses, attracting investment and creating lasting opportunities for Belizeans.
Shane Williams, Reporting
For years, the Millennium Challenge Corporation was a work in progress, negotiated, revised and debated before finally reaching the starting line. Today, that long process officially reaches a key milestone, implementation. The US$125 million United States-funded grant, combined with US$55 million in counterpart funding from the Government of Belize, is now moving into implementation with Executive Director Dr. Marcia Bouloy guiding the project.
Marcia Bouloy
Dr. Marcia Bouloy, Executive Director, MCA-Belize
“The U.S. 125 million Belize Compact represents a significant investment in our country, but its importance extends beyond its dollar value. At its heart, this compact is an investment in people, opportunity, and Belize’s future.”
Prime Minister John Briceño says Belizeans should understand how the country will benefit from this major investment.
Prime Minister John Briceno
Prime Minister John Briceño
“Belize is receiving a grant investment. And for those who don’t understand grant, grant means free money. Of a hundred and twenty-five US million – a hundred and twenty-five million US dollars.”
That grant will be put to work in two areas the government says are critical to Belize’s future, education and energy.
Prime Minister John Briceño
“Through the education project, MCA Belize and MCC will provide additional resources, technical expertise, and investment to strengthen secondary education and technical and vocational training. Our goal must be to ensure that Belizeans leave the education system with strong literacy and numeracy skills, critical thinking abilities, technical competencies, and the confidence to adapt to a changing world of work. Our second major area of investment is energy. I know Belizeans are looking at me skeptically, especially after the blackouts that we’ve been having over the past few weeks. I don’t think we’re going to be having blackouts after this.”
The United States says the agreement is designed to create opportunities that extend beyond the projects themselves. US Ambassador Andre Bauer says he already feels welcomed home and hopes this grant will provide more opportunities for Belizean children.
Andre Bauer
H.E. Andre Bauer, US Ambassador to Belize
“Through this compact, we’ll transform secondary education so that a new generation of Belizeans gain 21st century skills, skills employers need. They will have opportunities that people before them did not have. We’ll strengthen energy infrastructure so business, American and Belizean alike, have reliable power that they need to grow and plan and invest, and we’ll support key reforms that make Belize an even more attractive place where people wanna invest and build and hire.”
The clock is now ticking on the five-year compact. By the time it ends, MCC says success should not be measured by how much money Belize spent, but by the improvements it delivered in education, energy and economic opportunity.
Jason Small
Jason Small, Acting Vice President of Compact Operations, MCC
“MCC is proud to mark this historic day in our partnership with Belize, where together we will unlock growth and create mutual prosperity for our two nations. And five years from now, we will celebrate the completion of this compact just in time to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Belize’s independence.”
The five-year countdown to see what US$180 million can deliver has officially begun. Shane Williams for News Five.
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