By Belize Live News Staff: The People’s United Party (PUP) has officially launched its #PLANBelize 2.0 manifesto, promising a key economic relief measure—permanent GST-free weekends for Christmas and back-to-school shopping.
PUP leader and Prime Minister John Briceño made the announcement during the party’s manifesto launch, emphasizing that the initiative aims to ease the financial burden on Belizean families. The policy would allow shoppers to make essential purchases without paying the General Sales Tax (GST), offering relief during two of the busiest spending seasons of the year.
“We will pass laws to make GST-free weekends a permanent reality for Christmas and back-to-school shopping,” Briceño declared. “This is about giving families a break and making sure their hard-earned money stretches further.”
The proposal has sparked discussions across the country, with many welcoming the initiative as a step toward reducing the cost of living. However, critics question how the measure would impact government revenue.
With elections set for March 12, the PUP is positioning its manifesto as a roadmap for economic relief and national development. The GST-free weekends pledge could become a key factor in voter decision-making as Belizeans prepare to head to the polls.
