The People's United Party (P.U.P.) launched its Plan Belize 2.0 manifesto Thursday night in San Ignacio, marking the party's active campaign as Belize approaches elections on March 12, 2025. Party leader John Briceño took center stage to not only review progress made over the past four years but also to highlight the challenges still awaiting resolution. "I am well aware there is more to be done," he remarked, making it clear the work is far from finished.
Central to Briceño’s address were proposals targeting the high cost of living and enhancing public safety through continued crime prevention efforts. "I know the cost of living is still too high, and we must work harder to make the basic goods and services we need more affordable," Briceño stressed. He aimed to alleviate concerns of Belizeans struggling with financial burdens, pledging the implementation of significant changes to benefit citizens.
One notable announcement came when Briceño declared, "That is why I am pleased to announce... Sacred Heart College will be the next school to enjoy free education from 1st form to 4th form," indicating the party's intent to expand free education initiatives, previously established at Belmopan Comprehensive and Mopan Technical High Schools.
Briceño also reflected on the difficulties faced during the early days of his administration, stating, “We all remembered what it was like in 2019 and 2020, but look at where we are now. Just four years later, we have turned things around; we have steadied the ship of state.” His words aimed to instill confidence and convey a sense of accomplishment to his supporters as they look forward to the upcoming election.
Under the new Plan Belize 2.0, the P.U.P. has introduced several initiatives, including increasing the minimum wage to $6 per hour and offering free healthcare through the National Health Insurance (NHI) program to communities like the Twin Towns. These measures affirm the party's commitment to enhancing the lives of Belizeans.
Reflecting on previous accomplishments from 2020 to 2025, Briceño highlighted the establishment of Digital Connect Centers aimed at providing high-speed internet and devices to schools and remote communities. This initiative marks a significant step toward bridging the digital divide, ensuring students and residents alike have access to technology and the internet.
Tourism, heavily impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, has seen revitalization. The government has worked diligently, with 2024 tourism numbers exceeding even those from 2019, showcasing recovery and renewed interest in Belize as a destination. To augment government revenue, the P.U.P. also revoked the Boledo license of Brads' after investigations revealed under-reporting of sales, directing profits from the new “Fi We Boledo” game, which generated $16 million within its first year, to support the NHI and sports expansion.
Actions taken to address longstanding land issues include organizing land clinics across the country and issuing thousands of land titles to first-time landowners and civil servants, aiming to clear up land disputes. Public healthcare has been significantly reformed as well, with public hospitals and clinics removing fees to guarantee quality treatment for all Belizeans, solidifying the government's commitment to health access.
Briceño's administration has also dealt with heavy financial burdens, successfully writing off $54 million of debt owed to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH), enhancing healthcare infrastructure by constructing new polyclinics in Placencia, Caye Caulker, and Crooked Tree, showcasing the party's focus on accessible health services.
Continuing efforts toward governance enhancement, the P.U.P. has embraced transparency and accountability through various proposed legislative reforms. Achievements over this past term reinforce the P.U.P.'s assertive stance for the upcoming election, positioning them with substantial groundwork laid out under Plan Belize 2.0.
With the launch of this manifesto, the P.U.P. aims to reaffirm its dedication to the Belizean people, promising to continue the progress initiated over the past four years and sincerely inviting citizens to engage and participate actively in the democratic process as they approach Election Day.