And one issue that should factor into those elections is interest rates at the banks. Lending rates may be inching down, but saving rates are down even more - meaning that the banks continue to profit nicely off the spread in those rates.
Well, Barrow said his government is determined to do something about it - and it would be a manifesto promise, except he wants to make something happen before this term finishes.
And that's why he's meeting with the bankers next week:
Dean Barrow - Party Leader, UDP
"I have a meeting on Monday with the Governor of the Central Bank and with all of the commercial bankers. And I believe that this meeting will result in the kind of agreement that will see an immediate drop across the board in the lending rates in the banks of this country."
And in his address today, Barrow also addressed the issues of the Superbond. Last night on this newscast you heard his fiery screed delivered at a public meeting in Orange Walk on Sunday. Well today at the manifesto launch, his remarks were far more measured, but the message was plain - Government is disinclined to pay the stepped up 8.5% interest rate:
Dean Barrow
"This 8 1/2% interest rate we will not suffer. Belize is a country that is a country of honor. We do not easily renege on commitments, but if there are commitments that, in effect, represent a jackboot on the throat of the Belizean people, then unless those that are applying that jackboot are prepared to re-negotiate, they will see that the Belizean people are not going to take it. We won't lie down so that anybody can take chance on us, and the bottom line is, Mr. Bond Holder, Mr. Bad Creditor, come to the table and re-negotiate with Belizeans. You are obliged to give us a fairer deal. You are obliged to give us a fairer deal, and the people of this country will accept no less."
Government made a 33 million dollar Superbond payment two days ago - and the interest steps up to 8.5% in August - which is when 46.5 million dollars is due...
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