PM Says Social Partners Meeting on Gas Prices Was Constructive

Prime Minister John Briceño says he is pleased with the outcome of Wednesday’s meeting with social partners on the increasing cost of fuel.  Those in attendance were given until today’s date to present their ideas, which PM Briceño says he will then take before Cabinet.  Here is what he told us earlier today about that meeting.

John Briceño

Prime Minister John Briceño

“I was very pleased, I must tell you. I was a bit hesitant because everybody is crying out about the high price of fuel. My concern was that they would just come out and say well, almost recklessly, say well just cut the tax. Everybody understood around the table that the fuel tax plays an important role in the finances of the country, the money we need. So, they were throwing some really constructive ideas as to what we can do from using more fuel efficient vehicles, but also on the fuel, they are seeing how is it we can cap the maximum amount of price we have and then keep it at that level. So, when the price goes up, you keep it there and take it from the tax, and when the price goes down then you increase the tax so that government can get back the revenues they lose. That was a very good idea. Another good idea is targeting the assistance for agriculture, for tourism, for the protected areas, because some were saying they only have limited funds. So, those were some of the ideas. I asked them to send in their ideas today. I hope to put it together then go to Cabinet with some concrete ideas as to how we can address the issue of the high cost of fuel. As it is as we pointed out, we have already reduced the tax on diesel by one dollar and thirty add cents, even before this meeting. We are showing the Belizean people that we are trying to do our part. We want to do the best we can. But, we cannot be reckless.”