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Today two additional agreements were signed between the government and the CARICOM Development Fund. These agreements were signed by the Prime Minister and the head of the CDF under the Country Assistance Program for Belize. Belize is getting $4.8 million Belize dollars to fund major developmental projects including the replacement of the Haulover Bridge and upgrading of the Northern Highway. Another major focus of these agreements is the continued support of small business development. Today the Prime Minister told the Press office how important these agreements are to the economic development.

H.E. Lorne McDonnough, CEO - CARICOM Development Fund
"These new agreements between the government of Belize and the CDF for projects totaling BZ4.8 million or 2.4 million US, continues the exciting trail of tangible evidence of CARICOM mechanisms at work. This amount means that in total, the government of Belize, with a contribution 3.1 million dollars, was able to obtain 4 projects it prioritize an additional 98 cents for every US dollar contributed, making good the promise of retuning to disadvantage countries, interest free all of their contributions. This intervention begins to answer the question on the relevance of CARICOM and its institution to mainland territory like Belize. Without a doubt the CDF has and will continue to play this practical role beyond the articulation of the lofty words of the treaty of CHAGUARAMAS to provide direct tangible support to strategic and transformative projects such as those in this cap. Which can positively impact on our citizenry."

Hon. Dean Barrow, Prime Minister
"The particular projects, with respect to which we have signed these agreements, are very important ones. Certainly the Hallover Bridge and the grant in that regard that allows us to in fact be able to see this thing come together. And you made the point that here is a level of co-financing with the CDB which is to some extent trailblazing. That is particularly appreciated, but as well the other projects to which we have done the signing."

The next funding cycle commences on July 1st.