A groundbreaking investigation into Belize’s Constituency Development Fund has exposed severe transparency gaps and alarming financial disparities across electoral divisions. The program, established in October 2021 by Prime Minister John Briceño’s administration, was designed to provide structured monthly allocations to area representatives for community development projects including infrastructure repairs, educational support, sports facilities, and public space maintenance.
Social activist Jerry Enriquez initiated the transparency probe through formal Freedom of Information requests to the Office of the Prime Minister after growing concerns about accountability mechanisms. His inquiry sought detailed documentation including expenditure reports, vouchers, and audit records. The government’s response proved dramatically inadequate—a mere one-page document outlining basic allocation amounts without any substantive accountability documentation.
The investigation revealed striking inequities in fund distribution. While all constituencies receive monthly allocations theoretically based on voter population, the per-capita distribution varies drastically. Stann Creek West, represented by Rodwell Ferguson, receives $20,000 monthly but must serve 10,922 voters—resulting in a mere $1.83 per capita. Conversely, Belize Rural Central, represented by Dolores Balderamos Garcia, receives $23,000 monthly for only 7,833 voters—amounting to approximately $3.00 per capita.
Prime Minister Briceño originally promised rigorous accountability measures, stating “Full records must be maintained as the program will be subject to audit.” However, with annual allocations exceeding $600 million collectively, the absence of transparent reporting mechanisms raises serious concerns about fiscal responsibility and equitable distribution of public resources across Belize’s constituencies.