PM Declares Belize “Fighting Fit” at 44th Independence Anniversary

Prime Minister John Briceño, in his Independence Day address marking Belize’s 44th anniversary of nationhood, declared that “the state of the nation is fighting fit,” as he highlighted strong economic recovery and national resilience in the face of global and domestic challenges.

The Prime Minister pointed to the nation’s impressive economic turnaround since 2020. He noted that Belize registered 8.1 percent GDP growth in 2024, with further expansion projected for 2025, earning three consecutive years of positive reviews from the International Monetary Fund. Employment, he said, has surged to over 95 percent, with worker shortages being reported for the first time in living memory. He also announced that the minimum wage would soon rise to $6 per hour, up from the $5 floor his administration implemented in its last term.

Briceño emphasized that over 15,000 teachers, public officers, and security personnel would also see significant gains following salary negotiations, with increases valued at more than $112 million annually when fully phased in by 2027. He credited these commitments to what he described as the “miraculous repair” of the public finances since 2020, which has also secured the stability of the Belize dollar. Recently introduced banknotes featuring national heroes George Price and Phillip Goldson, he added, symbolized both Belize’s strength and independence.

Agriculture and industry featured prominently in the Prime Minister’s address. He detailed over $170 million in new investments in agro-processing and value-added industries over the past three years, spanning coconuts, corn, soybeans, poultry, dairy, and chocolate. He acknowledged serious challenges in the sugar sector, which has been battered by fusarium disease, but highlighted millions invested in rehabilitation and regional partnerships aimed at restoring productivity.

Briceño also touched on the controversial case of Joseph Budna, who was reportedly abducted in Belize and later appeared in Guatemalan custody. He firmly denied that the government had sanctioned or participated in any form of extrajudicial extradition, stressing that the rule of law applies equally to all Belizeans. He assured the nation that police investigations into the matter would proceed without bias and that “justice will be applied, and justice will prevail.”

The Prime Minister also spoke on the proposed 13th Constitutional Amendment, acknowledging the heated debate it has sparked in recent months. He stressed that constitutional reform is never a trivial matter, but emphasized his government’s commitment to employ every lawful measure to curb gang violence and restore public safety. He noted that while some critics fear overreach, the true victims remain the law-abiding citizens who suffer under gang activity.

On national security more broadly, Briceño reported that major crimes had fallen by three percent this year, with murders down 20 percent compared to last year. He reaffirmed his government’s determination to continue combating gang violence and gave assurances that citizen safety would remain a central priority.

The Prime Minister also addressed the importance of infrastructure and renewable energy. He announced plans for an $800 million phased investment at the Port of Belize, which will include upgrades to marine access, cargo facilities, and a cruise berthing terminal. Meanwhile, four new solar power projects, totaling 95 megawatts by 2026 and representing $140 million in investment, are expected to bolster clean energy production.

Tourism, he noted, continues to show resilience despite global challenges and sargassum, with over 364,000 overnight arrivals and nearly 600,000 cruise visitors recorded up to July. Hotel expansion and new airline connections are also underway, including Air Canada flights from Montreal and additional routes from Spirit Airlines.

Closing on a note of optimism, the Prime Minister reminded Belizeans that despite the trials of hurricanes, pandemics, and economic shocks, the country has remained strong. “Not colonialism, nor unfounded claims; not hurricanes, nor droughts; not disease nor pandemic; not momentary stumbles nor missteps—none of these can dent our stride,” he said. “Belize forever. Belize for all. Que Viva Belice.”