US State Department Assistant Secretary Eric Jacobstein and US Ambassador Michelle Kwan meet with Belize’s Leader of the Opposition to discuss key issues

Posted: Saturday, July 27, 2024. 2:17 pm CST.

By Jose Luis Cruz: US State Department Assistant Secretary Eric Jacobstein, accompanied by U.S. Ambassador Michelle Kwan, met earlier this week with Belize’s Leader of the Opposition Hon. Shyne Barrow at the Ambassador’s residence in Belmopan. The discussions centered on a range of critical topics, including the cost of living, education, youth, sports, citizen security, energy, corruption, and strengthening democracy in the region.

During the meeting, Barrow conveyed the gratitude of the Belizean people for the U.S. government’s substantial $250 million BZ grant, which will be directed towards advancing the education and energy sectors in Belize. This grant, known as the Millennium Challenge Grant, is testament to the long and mutually beneficial partnership between the United States and Belize, a relationship that has spanned over 43 years and remains strong despite political differences.

“The massive $250 million Millennium Challenge Grant is a testament to the United States’ commitment to the people of Belize and highlights our strong partnership that transcends partisanship,” Barrow told Breaking Belize News (BBN). He further emphasized the opposition’s anticipation of continued strengthening of U.S.-Belize bilateral relations for the mutual benefit of both nations.

During the last house meeting a motion on the Millennium Challenge Grant was presented and approved with the support of both sides of the aisle. At the Senate meeting held on Tuesday of this week, the motion was also approved without any major objection.

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