Referendum Finances Not Yet Confirmed

Patrick Faber

With a budget for the 2018 fiscal calendar in place, one that does not include allocations for a public education campaign ahead of the pending referendum, just how much is government prepared to spend on the exercise?  That’s what we asked Deputy Prime Minister Patrick Faber on Tuesday.  Despite a previous comment made by Foreign Minister Wilfred Elrington that there will be a supplementary budget, DPM Faber says that he too is unaware of the figure that will be set aside for the campaign and subsequent referendum.

Isani Cayetano

“In respect of the education awareness campaign, the Minister of Foreign Affairs has gone on record to mention that monies have been set aside for that particular exercise.  As the deputy prime minister, can you speak to what the finances look like?”

Patrick Faber, Deputy Prime Minister

“I’m not certain what the exact dollar amount is, all I can tell you is to confirm what you’ve said, that in fact there are allocations made for this campaign and that we in fact require and are seeking the assistance of everybody, but especially the media and our various social groups, institutions across the country to help us to put the message out.  And in that regard, I also want to appeal to all Belizeans, even those who have been a part of movements to say, you know what, No to the ICJ.  Let us listen to both sides of the argument.  Let us not be quick to jump on any side.  Let us for once in our lives study situations carefully, listen to arguments on both sides, not jump on a bandwagon and if at the end of the day your position is yes then go with it, and if at the end of the day your position is no then go with it.”