Disbursements for Unemployed Belizeans Commences this Week

Dean Barrow

To tide Belizeans over while funding from the international financial institutions is made available, government will be drawing down on monies that have been earmarked from its majority-owned utility companies, as well as the Social Security Board.  Plans are also in place to bolster existing initiatives such as the BOOST and food pantry programmes.

Prime Minister Dean Barrow

“For us to take care of those now out of work and livelihood, unable to take care of themselves and their families.  Government, as you know, is already borrowing seventy-five million dollars from the Central Bank, but it is a drop in the bucket.  It is my solemn promise to you, however, that we will get more.  I am in no doubt that we will end up at least doubling that seventy-five million dollars.  So there will be add-ons to the disbursement of monies to our unemployed which disbursements start this week and will also initially utilize the contributions made by B.E.L., B.W.S.L. and S.S.B.   The additional funding that we will procure will augment the national ongoing BOOST initiative that also already puts cash in the hands of our people and we will expand countrywide, including to the rural areas the Ministry of Human Development’s all important food assistance programs.  Belizeans, I say again that you are not alone.  Together we will overcome and I swear by that Almighty God whom I ask now to bless us all that government, our national partnership and I personally will do everything to bring Belize as whole as possible out of this national and international nightmare.”