Opposition condemns the implementation of GOB’s

“Christmas Assistance Program”

The People’s United Party strongly condemns the misuse of taxpayer funds which have been distributed to

UDP Standard Bearers and Area Representatives by the Government of Belize.

On Friday, December 16, after the final Sitting of the House of Representatives for 2011, Prime Minister

Barrow confirmed that his administration has commenced a “Christmas Assistance Program” which they claim

is to benefit disadvantaged families in Belize.

The Prime Minister has confirmed that “area representatives” are being granted up to forty thousand dollars

in each of the thirty-one constituencies in Belize, for a total of 1.24 Million Belize Dollars of tax payer monies.

What is in fact occurring is that public funds are being distributed only to UDP Members of Parliament and

Area Representatives and to UDP Standard Bearers for distribution to a favored few on a purely partisan list.

Any public assistance to Belizean Families, particularly at this time of year, should be apportioned in a fair and

equitable and transparent manner and channeled via legitimate social organizations; and all duly elected

representatives of the people ought to be consulted as to the distribution to ensure that those in most need

receive such assistance.

We confirm that no elected Representative from the People’s United Party has received any public funds

under this “Christmas Assistance Program”. Instead, unelected UDP Standard Bearers have been allocated

public funds to distribute as they see fit.

It is clear that this program is nothing more than a blatant attempt by this failed UDP government to win over

voters after 4 years of economic hardship and hopelessness. For marginalized Belizeans, any such assistance is

not only 4 years too late, but far short of what Belizeans need and deserve, particularly now when most are

having the most difficult Christmas season in memory.

Not only is there no accountability nor transparency in this program, but it is reported that public officers are

being manipulated and forced to engage in extralegal financial activities in violation of GOB’s financial

regulations and the Finance and Audit Reform Act.

The Peoples’ United Party therefore calls on the Auditor General, as well as the Ombudsman to investigate

this program for any fraud and for the blatant misappropriation of public funds.