BPP challenges GOB and Opposition to present plan to stimulate productivity

By BBN Staff: The Belize Progressive Party (BPP) issued a press release yesterday stating that the Prime Minister is attempting to paint a rosy picture concerning the renegotiated “superbond”,.

The BPP says that it was certainly not convincing.
The BPP decries the deceitful display that persists by the GOB, when addressing issues related to Belize’s sovereign debt obligations.

“For the PM to cast the renegotiated terms as a “success” is disingenuous at best, for how can the restructuring of a less-than-beneficial debt be considered anything but a high level act of delaying the inevitable?” the release states.

The party says that the renegotiated terms of the “super-bond” has bought the Barrow Administration a slight reprieve, the operative question is “What plans are in place for Belize to meet the restructured obligations?”  More significant is the question, “What do the restructured terms mean for regular Belizeans regarding increased taxes, etc…?”   The BPP demands these issues to be aired, so as to attune the nation to the impending economic and financial implications.

The BPP reminds the public to remain vigilant and attuned, for the attempt by the Barrow administration to downplay the matter, shall prove a stark contrast to the reality, it said.

“The superbond, irrespective of its renegotiated status, remains a burden to this nation,” the BPP added.

The party says that it is challenging GOB, as well as the Opposition, to put forth their plans to stimulate productivity and wealth creation for the masses.

The party advises that the Integrity Commission fulfill its mandate by holding accountable all elected officials who have not complied with the Prevention of Corruption Act (POCA) starting from 2008.  To place matters in perspective, if a single representative was elected in 2008 and remained in office continuously, meanwhile not disclosing their assets as is required, the amount owed by that one individual amounts to approximately $1,553,800!

The BPP highlights that such a considerable sum, owed by a single individual, could be put toward constructive use, so as to aid the nation in meeting its obligation to the bondholders and thus negating the need to raise taxes.

Therefore, the party demands full disclosure across the board, in addition to calling on the Integrity Commission to fulfill its duties without fear or favour.

The BPP say that it remains  committed to bringing truth, honesty and dignity in the manner in which Belize is governed, which shall inevitably be reflected in a more productive, constructive and fiscally sound environment.