By Breaking Belize News Staff: Prime Minister John Briceño has rejected suggestions that constituency development funds are being used to maintain political loyalty among voters, insisting that the programme allows elected representatives to respond more efficiently to community needs.
Speaking to reporters following his return from Bangkok, Briceño was questioned about concerns that ministerial allowances and constituency development spending could contribute to political clientelism.
The Prime Minister dismissed the suggestion, arguing that the Constituency Development Fund was established to give area representatives greater flexibility to address urgent problems within their divisions.
He explained that under previous arrangements, representatives often had to seek assistance from various government ministries to carry out relatively small projects, including fixing drains, repairing school facilities and undertaking community improvements.
According to Briceño, the fund allows area representatives to make decisions more quickly without navigating lengthy administrative processes.
He also maintained that allocations are determined based on the number of registered voters in each constituency and that the programme is available to representatives from both the People’s United Party and United Democratic Party.
The Prime Minister described the system as successful and rejected the suggestion that it was designed to encourage political loyalty.
His comments come amid continuing public debate over government spending, political patronage and the accountability of funds administered through elected representatives.
Briceño maintained that the objective of the programme is to deliver assistance to communities more effectively and efficiently.
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