It's two and a half years into the Briceno Administration's 5 year term - and today the Prime Minister released a pre-recorded mid term report. Now, a this kind of report is not a regular political feature in Belize - but with his government facing a Senate Probe into its actions surrounding the Portico Definitive Agreement - unprecedented for the mid way mark in a first term -the mid-term address is seen an attempt at government trying to take back control of the narrative.
But, PM Briceno couldn't avoid the elephant in the room - and that's the relentless pressure campaign and advertising onslaught coming from the Ashcroft Alliance. So, he sent a message - we presume - to the Ashcroft Alliance: saying his government will not be bullied or intimidated:
John Briceno, Prime Minister
"In cruise tourism, the recent controversy serves to highlight the unique demand for the Belize product. One cruise port is under construction and developers for 2 additional ports seek approval."
"Surely, these hundreds of millions being talk about would not be proposed if Belize did not offer a world class product whose natural lustre, we must safeguard for this and future generations."
"In this regard, we will not be distracted. We will not be intimidated and we will not be bullied."
The other big, confounding challenge facing his government is the continuing dispute in the sugar industry where ASR/BSI and the Cane Farmers Association still do not have a signed commercial agreement. After a disappointing cane season - they head towards another season with their significant differences still unresolved. But, the Prime Minister is still projecting optimism:
John Briceno, Prime Minister
"I remained highly confident that all sugar stakeholders can overcome their differences to preserve and expand this important sector of the North. Government will persevere its role as facilitator for compromise amounts the private sector..."
No word on which side that compromise will be coming from. But, the main message of the PM's address is that despite its difficulties - which are not minor - his government continues to master the economy and job creation:
John Briceno, Prime Minister
"The SIB will report shortly that during the first quarter of 2023, the Belizean economy continue a historic rise, growing by 11.5% with the dynamic tertiary sector of tourism and services surging by 16.5% with unemployment now reaching close to 3%."
The PM's full, eight minute address is available on the government's Facebook page.
