By Belize Live News Staff: A $250,000 government purchase of a pre-owned 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser VX has ignited new criticism from the Public Service Union (PSU), who says the move underscores wasteful spending while the rest of the country tightens its belt.
The contract, awarded to Car Guys Belize and approved by Ministry of Foreign Affairs CEO Amalia Mai, comes at a time when public officers and teachers are closely scrutinizing government spending. Fresh off a restored increment and recent pay increase, workers say they want to see those funds used wisely—not on luxury rides.
“Seeing is believing,” the PSU declared in a statement. “Here is one of several Quarter of a Million Dollars reasons to smile… Your children’s future depends on your willingness to stand against abuse of public resources and corruption.”
The union has long argued that the government fleet is too large, too new, and too expensive, and now they’re calling on public officers to demand transparency and restraint.
Though the government claims that GPS tracking devices are installed in most of its vehicles to monitor use, the bigger issue, according to PSU members, is the size of the price tag. Critics say $250,000 for even a used SUV sends the wrong message to citizens still struggling with high costs of living.
No explanation has been offered as to which section of the Ministry will use the high-end vehicle or why a “pre-owned” SUV required such a hefty investment.
