PM Barrow Acknowledges $10 Million Donation by Lord Michael Ashcroft

Michael Ashcroft

Lord Michael Ashcroft, who has been in Belize for two weeks, made a significant announcement today as the country braces for the spread of COVID-19.  Lord Ashcroft is making a very generous donation for the benefit of Belizeans. He is contributing ten million dollars to be used towards the combat of the virus.  From what we know, it is the single biggest donation to be made locally at this very critical time when many have been sent home, are jobless, and face uncertainty as to how long it will take for the economy to rebound. Since the announcement, many Belizeans have applauded the generous gesture on social media. The brief statement reads, “Having spent the last two weeks in the country and personally witnessing its impact on the overall economy of Belize and the lives of ordinary Belizeans, Lord Michael Ashcroft has agreed to contribute Belize ten million dollars to the national effort to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. This sum will be deposited with the Belize Bank, who will be the custodian of the funds to be dispersed on behalf of Lord Ashcroft. Lord Ashcroft has spoken to the Prime Minister and advised him of his donation.” At his press conference this afternoon, the PM acknowledged the contribution:

Dean Barrow

Prime Minister Dean Barrow

“There is as well the ten million-dollar donation that is being gifted to us by our Lord Ashcroft. I tried to find out how this would work and he indicated that it would be run through his Belize Bank; it would not come into the consolidated revenue fund. A committee would be set up to oversee the disbursement of the money, which will go principally—as I understand it—to the Ministry of Health in order to help to pay for the personal protective equipment, for the testing kits and for the compensation package that we are trying to augment with respect to these all important people.”