By Belize Live News Staff: Prime Minister John Briceño has strongly criticized the decision to publish the Belize Tax Service’s list of repeat tax defaulters, calling the move “unfortunate” and unproductive. The list, released earlier this week, revealed the names of individuals and businesses who owed between $6,000 and $8 million in unpaid taxes after repeated defaults.
Speaking to the media, Briceño expressed regret, stating the information should have remained private. He emphasized that the government’s approach should focus on helping small businesses, many of which struggle with understanding or managing their tax obligations.
The Prime Minister said that rather than publicly shaming defaulters, the focus should be on negotiations and practical solutions. He added that the government has always stepped in when asked for help and continues to support entrepreneurs through dialogue and reform, not penalties and exposure.
Briceño emphasized that the aim is to help more Belizeans open and grow businesses, not push them out of the economy through embarrassment or punitive actions.
