Fonseca Calls for Governance Reform

Francis Fonseca

Fonseca also pointed out the critical importance of reform, though he wasn’t taking overt jabs at government. In fact, he seemed to be looking at both the P.U.P. and the U.D.P., who between them have each governed for seventeen years post-Independence. True development calls for qualitative change, not only of the economy but of the society, and central to that change, said Fonseca, is governance reform.

Francis Fonseca, Leader of the Opposition

“Governance is the hallmark of a democratic, peaceful, just society and is fundamental to eradicating poverty and corruption, bringing about economic growth and progress. It is concerned with the rules, regulations and procedures that apply to the decision-making process. Decisions made in our governance systems and structures determine how the collective wealth and resources of the nation is managed and allocated, and ultimately the quality of life of each and every Belizean. Thirty-four years after Independence…seventeen years of PUP, seventeen years of U.D.P….our responsibility and obligation is to work together in good faith to change, improve and strengthen the failing systems and structures we have in place to govern and develop Belize. On this Independence Day let us embrace governance reform by committing to the appointment of the thirteenth Senator, to reactivating the Integrity Commission and to restructuring the Public Accounts Committee.”