Panton Commends Briceño Administration but Criticizes Nepotism and Cronyism

Tracy Taegar-Panton

The second day of the budget debate got underway this morning, minus the fireworks that erupted in the National Assembly on Thursday.  Albert Area Representative Tracy Taegar-Panton was first to address the House of Representatives with a rather subdued delivery. During her presentation, the opposition parliamentarian positively acknowledged the Briceño administration’s effort in shepherding the country’s economic recovery. However, she was also sure to point out the nepotism and cronyism she says is taking place under the present government. She says the administration seems determined to hire family and friends of elected officials.

Tracy Taegar-Panton, Area Representative, Albert

“I note Madam Speaker that the theme of the prime minister’s budget involves two concepts, two principles which I hold dear: fairness and conclusion. As the constitutional opposition, it is therefore our responsibility to examine the facts and determine how accurate and sincere such a claim and characterization of the government’s self-professed agenda is. The Belizean economy, according to the S.I.B., suffered a 6.7% contraction in 2020 and has seen some nascent growth of approximately 10% when compared to 2020.  Nonetheless, it is not where it was in 2019. Before we even get into the substance of the budget itself, let me say that this kind of rhetoric from this administration is nothing new.  Indeed, they were swept into power in 2020, riding the wave of another populist slogan, “Everybody fi win”. Even before the euphoria of the massive victory could wear off, the reality quickly set it. Madam Speaker, citizens learned quickly that this was an administration that was hell-bent on practicing and institutionalizing nepotism and cronyism as top positions in the government were defiantly and disdainfully awarded almost exclusively to close family members of elected P.U.P. politicians and party hacks.”