By Belize Live News Staff: On Tuesday Belize rolled out the red carpet for Alice Albright, CEO of the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), as she arrived to mark the recent approval of a landmark $250 million grant to boost education and energy sectors in the country.
Ambassador Kwan greeted Albright at the international airport, setting the stage for two days of high-level discussions with Belize officials on how to best leverage this substantial investment. The MCC, a U.S. government agency, focuses on poverty reduction through sustainable economic development.
The grant, equivalent to over 20% of Belize’s national budget, is seen as a game-changer for the country. Prime Minister John Briceño has hailed it as a testament to his administration’s commitment to tackling education and energy challenges.
Before the grant agreement can be signed later this month, Belize must establish the Millennium Challenge Account Belize Authority to oversee project implementation. This requirement led to a special parliamentary session in July, underscoring the significance of the MCC compact.
The Prime Minister emphasized that the grant was secured due to his government’s proactive approach to addressing the country’s needs, contrasting it with the previous administration’s perceived inaction.
The MCC delegation will engage with a wide range of stakeholders, including government leaders, educators, business representatives, and students, to ensure the grant’s impact is maximized.
This investment aligns with Belize’s development goals and is expected to catalyze further progress in education and energy, key drivers of economic growth and social well-being.
