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Belize Prime Minister's Statement on Cabinet Retreat
Belmopan - 12 Oct., 2006 - Cabinet held a week long Retreat from the 2nd to the 7th October, 2006
to allow members to focus carefully and objectively on our performance,
achievements and effectiveness of the government’s policies since 1998.
The occasion was used to discuss real issues and challenges facing the
People’s United Party and to seize the opportunity to arrive at a core
of decisions and policies that would give us a party the drive, purpose
and energy to take Belize and the Belizean people to a new level of
development.
Given the tranquil environment devoid of everyday distractions, Cabinet
members were fully engaged in session of honest and frank discussion on
the issue of perceived differences, publicly-aired disagreements and
the decision making process of Cabinet.
The Ministers achieved consensus that the principle of Cabinet
responsibility was the mechanism for dealing with policy and settled
the matter that all issues potentially giving rise to policy
differences would first be fully disclosed, debated and resolved around
the Cabinet table.
Vision 2025:
We discussed a conceptual framework for Belize’s strategic
development over the next 20 years. In crafting a national vision of
development we will need to ensure that the process is inclusive
involving all sectors of society.
Cabinet agreed that it must become a shared vision among the people if
it is to be a vehicle of hope and inspiration for a better and brighter
future. It must reflect the fundamentals of developing the mental,
physical and spiritual well being of the Belizean society.
Government will therefore pursue a process of wide consultation to
build tremendous progress of the nation; the trust and confidence of
the people matched by the political will move Belize forward.
Where we are with Manifesto Commitments:
We comprehensively reviewed each of its 2003-2008 manifesto
commitments. We found that in fact about 80% of these pledges were
already achieved or were substantially underway. The Ministers
identified the outstanding pledges yet undone and assessed which ones
could be reasonably achieved during this term of government.
A Budget Belizeans Can Look Forward to:
Cabinet also began the budgetary process of identifying key objectives
and priority areas of action, within the context of fiscal
consolidation and debt stabilization, to ensure that we can make public
investment in economic and social infrastructure without jeopardizing
the remarkable gains made in deficit reduction.
Responsibly Managing the Debt:
The Ministers received an update on the current status of Belize’s debt
rearrangement exercise. The first round of consultations with
bondholders has been largely completed with the support of our
international financial and legal advisors. It is expected that we will
enter the final stage of the exercise shortly with the aim of ensuring
long-term sustainability of Belize’s public sector debt. The public
will be briefed on this matter as it progresses and the current
position update can be viewed on the Central Bank web site
www.centralbank.org.bz
Continuing the Process of Reform:
Over the past 8 years, we have delivered substantially on political
reform. We have resolved to continue that process, now focusing on
issues such as campaign finance reform, more autonomy to village, city
and town councils. Amendments to strengthen the Social Security Act,
the restructuring of development financing to assist farmers, small and
medium enterprises, low income housing and student loans, the Finance
and Audit Act, health reform through the NHI and improvements to the
minimum wage structure.
Conclusion:
Participant all agreed that the Retreat evolved into a resounding
success and more clearly defined the way forward. It enabled Cabinet
Ministers to openly discuss, in an uninterrupted manner, a range of
policy issues and new ideas critical to a brighter future for our
country. The retreat also provided the forum for Ministers to rekindle
a spirit of camaraderie and team work among themselves that will ignite
greater unity and loyalty within the rank and file of the People’s
United Party.
We express gratitude to all who assisted in making the retreat happen.
In particular we thank Mr. Tony Quinn whose motivational seminar
facilitated our work.
The government of the People’s United Party must now continue to pursue
an open, transparent and accountable governance, taking corrective
measures to their successful conclusion as we work together with the
people to provide a winning formula of economic efficiency and social
justice for the common good.
We see one of our primary goals to be a people united to create a
strong society of citizen living long healthy and peaceful lives in a
growing prosperous nation. Imagine happy Belizean children developing
their mind, body and spirit through and education that will bring
potential; a progressive society that rewards hard work and excellence
and where people who live on the margins- the poor and the weak are
protected and empowered to uplift themselves in caring communities
across the land.
With Hard Work, by the Might of Truth and the Grace of God, we can and we will fulfill our destiny.
Source: Belize Government
http://www.belize.gov.bz
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