When the results of the 2008 elections were announced, a triumphant Dean Barrow marched to Belmopan on a promise that he would bring down the cost of living no matter what. He spoke of his Party’s 21 pledges and told Belizeans to “Imagine the Possibilities.”
Three months later, Mr. Barrow was apologizing to the Belizean people for failing to deliver on his promises.
Belizeans never imagined a UDP administration incapable of meeting the challenges of governance. No one who voted for the UDP expected escalating cost of basic food products like flour, rice, corn, beans. Instead of bringing down the cost of living “no matter what,” Belizeans are today spending more just to provide food for their families. It was not supposed to be like this.
In his campaign, Mr. Barrow and his UDP told Belizeans that he would immediately lower fuel prices, yet Belizeans are paying more for a gallon of fuel than ever before and there seems to be no plan by the Barrow administration to address this matter.
Access to affordable fuel is critical to all aspects of production, and Government must do its part to ensure that the cost of meeting the basic needs of the Belizean people be kept at an affordable price and that our exports be produced at a price that is competitive in the regional and international markets.
While we believe that the issue of crime is something that everyone must work together to solve, it is the responsibility of the government to take the lead in developing a plan to curb the violence. The increasing incidents of crime, the escalating levels of criminal activity, the methods of criminal activity and the increase in the number of our youth dying in the streets must be addressed.
We call on the Barrow administration to develop a comprehensive strategy to deal with this situation. The PUP stands ready to work in partnership with the Government, civil society and the Council of Churches to find meaningful solutions to address what has now become an epidemic of crime in our society.
It has been more than 100 days since the Barrow administration took office, and for Belizeans, the reality of what this administration will provide over the next 56 months is clear. In this administration’s 100 days, we have seen rising crime, higher cost of living, a decrease in the quality of life and a nation gripped by fear due to no clear vision for a way forward.
At the same time, the Barrow administration has moved with great haste to strengthen its power by using its large majority to threaten Belizean civil liberties. The desire to amend the Constitution to allow for such activities like preventative detention; to remove from the law legislation which would force a government to call for a referendum on any change to the Constitution in regards to the fundamental rights and freedoms of the Belizean Citizen; and the strengthening of the power of Ministers are all clear signs of a government which intends to use force over reason.
At the ceremonial opening of the House of Representatives, Prime Minster Barrow said, “”We will lower GST. We will reduce the cost of living. We will bring down the price of fuel. We will distribute land to the poor. We will expand free education. We will create jobs. We shall not let this nation down. After all is said and done, Mr. Speaker, the task given Belize’s new government by the Belizean people may be summarized in just two words: “national reconstruction”. Let the work now begin.”
The Belizean people are waiting for the Barrow administration to deliver on its promises; the Belizean people deserve better, they deserve a lot more than an apology, they deserve a government that will live up to its promises and make their lives better than it was before.