…What Else Will It Be Spent On?

Dean Barrow

As you’ve noticed, where the government is concerned, Petrocaribe is the biggest thing, bar none. Politically, it’s been a game-changer for the United Democratic Party, especially since with the passing of the Petrocaribe Bill there’s no need for House approval, no oversight and no limit to what can be borrowed or spent. Today the Prime Minister detailed some of the projects which have been completed using Petrocaribe monies.

Prime Minister Dean Barrow

“Investments, equity in the National Bank…thirty million dollars already put. Belize City new infrastructure: Lake Independence Boulevard, five million; Chetumal Street, six million; Belize City upgrading, concreting, thirteen million. Belize City streets, minor streets two million; roads and highway, Ministry of Works sugar roads, two point five; hotspots countrywide, two point two. Street upgrades in main towns: Corozal, three point o million; Orange Walk highway through town, four point o million; Orange Walk San Antonio, two million; Belmopan, three point five; Cayo, three point o; Benque, two point o; Dangriga zero point nine; Punta Gorda, one point zero. I’ll get into trouble with Dangriga, but more is on the way. North Ambergris, three point five; Caye Caulker, half a million; BIL had only spent four point five. They are getting forty million now to do civic center and other things. Social Support and Assistance: Christmas Cheer, two point six. Mother’s Day, zero point nine; village council works, four point one; back to school, zero point eight; constituency assistance, one point o; mortgage relief, one point seven; home improvement one point o; CXC Exams, zero point nine. Purchase of equipment, the ASUS tablets, two million; equipment for the Belize City Council when they took on the workers, one point five; purchase of property, the building for the National Bank, three point six. Debt service and other operations, fifteen point three. So what is there to complain about when you get the details and see how the money has been spent?”