$20 Million for Loan to Improve Quality of Education
Dean Barrow
In the House today, the government today passed and approved a loan motion for ten million US dollars to improve the quality of education in the country. The Inter-American Development Bank – Education Quality Improvement Programme is design to mainly improve the quality and gender equity of education at the primary and secondary levels. The loan motion was presented by Minister of Finance and Prime Minister Dean Barrow who at first displayed the willingness to retract the loan motion to be debated at another occasion.
Prime Minister Dean Barrow
“I had indicated to the clerk that I would not wish to proceed with the Inter American Development Bank Education Quality Improvement Program but the Minister of Education has presented to me that it would really be a very much in the interest of the Ministry for me to in fact proceed with the motion. I am sorry to be going back and forth but if you will permit or not then we simply leave it until next time, but if it is okay.”
Laura Tucker-Longsworth, Speaker of the House
“It is on the Order Papers so let’s proceed.”
Prime Minister Dean Barrow
“Much obliged. Madam Speaker this is the Inter American Development Bank Education Quality Improvement Program EQIP Two. It is a US ten million dollars loan motion 2019. I move whereas as a member of the Inter American Development Bank Belize is eligible for development assistance whereas the Government of Belize has approached the bank for financial assistance whereas the general objective of the program will be pursued by achieving the specific objectives. One to improve the quality of primary school teachers. Two to improve the quality of secondary school teachers. Three promote gender sensitive STEAM teaching. These motions are too long you know. Whereas the bank has offered financing of up to US ten million dollars from its Ordinary Capital Resources.”
Said Musa
Said Musa, Area Representative, Fort George
“This motion has been sprung on us today for passage and just detecting the tone of voice used by the Prime Minister he too is not convinced as to what this is all about.”
Prime Minister Dean Barrow
“Madam Speaker that is a hell of a thing. He is able to say what my tone of voice indicates. I always knew him to be a fellow of many talents but I never thought it was as compendious as that. You are a hell of a fellow. Madam Speaker if the…”
Said Musa
“I am speaking.”
Prime Minister Dean Barrow
“I am trying to make your burden lighter. If it is that there is an objection to our passing all at once today, I will not make any such request and we can debate it next time. What I don’t understand Madam Speaker; there is nothing to hide about these things. These things are straightforward but if you say that you have not enough time for preparation, if you wish I am prepared not to proceed all at once today.”
