By Belize Live News Staff: Public safety, energy security, education and health care were among the national issues highlighted by Opposition Leader Tracy Taegar Panton in her Independence Day address.
As Belize celebrated 45 years of Independence, Panton argued that the country’s next stage of development must focus on improving the everyday lives of Belizeans while strengthening public institutions.
On energy, Panton said production, reliability and affordability are critical to Belize’s economic future.
She argued that the country’s competitiveness, productivity and long term economic growth will depend on how current energy challenges are managed without further burdening consumers with what she described as growing and unsustainable debt.
Public safety was another major concern.
Panton pointed to threats affecting border communities as well as violent crime and road traffic accidents, which she said continue to claim too many productive lives.
She called for effective policing and accessible justice, but also identified mental health support, conflict resolution and opportunities for vulnerable and marginalized Belizeans as part of the response to crime.
On education, Panton welcomed the MCC Compact grant intended to improve education delivery and technical training over five years.
She said reforms should preserve the longstanding partnership between churches and the state while ensuring educators have a meaningful role in shaping and implementing changes.
Panton also addressed the continued rollout of National Health Insurance.
She said NHI could move Belize closer to universal health coverage, but argued that its implementation should meet strong standards for transparency and accountability.
The Opposition Leader also cautioned that public hospitals, polyclinics and community health facilities should not be neglected as private contracts expand within the health system.
Panton concluded her wider address by calling for unity and national renewal, saying the challenges facing Belize are greater than any single leader, political party or group.
She also urged national unity as Belize prepares to present its case before the International Court of Justice in the territorial dispute with Guatemala and respond to the claim advanced by Honduras.
