Millennium Challenge Corporation Approves BDZ$250 Million Investment Grant in Education and Energy
Prime Minister John Briceno during the debate in Parliament on Thursday
The Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) has approved a BDZ$250 million investment grant in education and energy in Belize, and debate has started in the Parliament regarding the establishment of the Millenium Challenge Account Belize Authority, which will be the implementing agency for the education and energy projects.
Background
The MCC said its priority is to reduce poverty through sustainable and inclusive economic growth. The government is expected to sign the agreement in September.
Discussion in Parliament
During a unique sitting of the Parliament on Thursday, Prime Minister John Briceño said that a government and civil society board of directors will lead the Millenium Challenge Account Belize Authority. He said that the Belize National Teachers Union (BNTU) and the Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) will have representation on the board.
Key Points
- The MCC Belize Authority will serve as the implementing agency for education and energy projects on behalf of the government of Belize.
- The authority will include representatives from government, civil society, and the private sector.
- The bulk of the funding will be directed towards education projects.
- There will be targeted programs for male and female young men to ensure they complete secondary school and are equipped with skills to participate in the national development of Belize and the labor market.
Education Minister’s Statement
Education Minister Francis Fonseca highlighted several challenges in the education sector and noted that significant investments will be made to improve the sector for young men, women, and teachers across the country. He emphasized the need to keep males in schools and mentioned that there will be targeted programs for male young men to ensure they complete secondary school and are equipped with skills to participate in the national development of Belize and the labor market.
Opposition Leader’s Statement
Opposition Leader Moses “Shyne” Barrow said it is a moment of bipartisanship in Parliament because investments are needed in both priority sectors. However, he chided the Briceño administration for not including the opposition on the MCC Account Belize Authority’s board of directors.
Conclusion
The approval of the BDZ$250 million investment grant in education and energy by the MCC is a significant step towards improving the education and energy sectors in Belize. The establishment of the Millenium Challenge Account Belize Authority will ensure that the funding is effectively utilized to achieve the desired results.
FAQs
Q: What is the purpose of the Millenium Challenge Account Belize Authority?
A: The Millenium Challenge Account Belize Authority will be the implementing agency for education and energy projects on behalf of the government of Belize.
Q: Who will be represented on the authority’s board?
A: The authority’s board will include representatives from government, civil society, and the private sector, including the Belize National Teachers Union (BNTU) and the Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI).
Q: How will the funding be utilized?
A: The bulk of the funding will be directed towards education projects, with targeted programs for male and female young men to ensure they complete secondary school and are equipped with skills to participate in the national development of Belize and the labor market.
Q: Why was the opposition not included on the board?
A: Opposition Leader Moses “Shyne” Barrow expressed concern that the Briceño administration did not include the opposition on the MCC Account Belize Authority’s board of directors, citing a lack of transparency and good governance.