PM says he knows Belizeans are struggling but $6 minimum wage increase must consider businesses
By Breaking Belize News Staff: Prime Minister John Briceño says his government remains committed to increasing Belize’s minimum wage to $6 per hour but says the timing of the increase must take into account the wider economy and the ability of businesses to absorb higher labour costs. Responding to concerns about the rising cost of […] The post PM says he knows Belizeans are struggling but $6 minimum wage increase must consider businesses appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
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By Breaking Belize News Staff: Prime Minister John Briceño says his government remains committed to increasing Belize’s minimum wage to $6 per hour but says the timing of the increase must take into account the wider economy and the ability of businesses to absorb higher labour costs.
Responding to concerns about the rising cost of living on Friday, Briceño acknowledged that many Belizeans are struggling but said the government has limited control over the prices of imported goods and fuel.
The Prime Minister said simply imposing a much larger wage increase without considering the consequences could lead to layoffs, business closures and additional inflation. He said the government has therefore promised the Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry further discussions on when another minimum-wage adjustment can best be implemented.
Raising the minimum wage from the current $5 to $6 per hour is a commitment under the government’s Plan Belize 2.0 agenda. Briceño confirmed earlier this year that discussions were underway but did not give a specific implementation date.
Briceño argued that government has instead been attempting to put additional disposable income into households through measures such as increasing the income-tax exemption threshold, expanding the National Health Insurance programme and expanding free secondary education.
Government documents indicate that its Education Upliftment Programme expanded to 23 secondary schools, with more than 12,000 students expected to benefit and 95 percent of students attending government secondary schools receiving free education during the 2025/2026 period.
The Prime Minister conceded, however, that despite those interventions many Belizeans continue to feel that government has not done enough to address the cost of living.
The post PM says he knows Belizeans are struggling but $6 minimum wage increase must consider businesses appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
