PM Promises Plenty of Petrocaribe Goodies in 2015

On Tuesday night, we aired New Year’s messages from Prime Minister Dean Barrow and Leader of the Opposition, Francis Fonseca. Both leaders spoke of positive strides and looked to a successful future for the country. According to P.M. Barrow, the economy grew in the first three-quarters by four point two percent exceeding the forecast of the IMF. This, Barrow says, was primarily due to the tourism industry. The prime minister went on to speak of several social and financial programs including the BOOST and food pantry initiatives, and mortgage payments to Belizeans, as well as improved healthcare across the country. But with the support of the millions of dollars available from the PetroCaribe initiative, the PM went on to make numerous promises that will see G.O.B. tap into millions more for 2015. The education sector would see nine thousand tablets for tertiary level students, free wi-fi, as well as three years of salary increases for teachers.

Prime Minister Dean Barrow

“We have already revealed plans to build, with the help of the Koreans, a Technology University in Belmopan.  We intend to finalize this concept and begin its implementation in the New Year. But even as this big picture project is taking shape, there are lots of smaller things Government will also be doing to help our people overcome the digital divide.  There are lots of smaller things government will also be doing to help our people overcome the digital divide. So if 2014 was a year of infrastructure, 2015 will be a year of technology. Thus, Government is purchasing from the Asus Company in Taiwan nine thousand tablet computers so as to be able to provide one for each Tertiary level student in Belize. As a result, every student at UB and all Sixth Forms and Junior Colleges countrywide, will be gifted one of these brand new Tablets as we prepare to march into technology’s brave new world. High Schools will also benefit, as at their level we will be making donations for the improvement of their computer labs. Again, it is every one of the forty four or so Government and Government-aided High Schools throughout the nation that will be covered by this initiative. And they will be able to use this Government funding for either the purchase of additional equipment or for help with the physical rehabilitation of premises. Finally, Government will provide free Wifi in the Park for each of our country’s Municipalities. So we will select one Park or other public space in all District Towns and in Belmopan City, and for a specified number of hours each day citizens will enjoy complimentary bandwidth internet from the Government of Belize. Belize City is pioneering its own program under its partnership with B.T.L.”