Party Leader’s MessageAlthough not new, the focus on agriculture has to shift gears. We have to do much more to ensure broader access to credit and better marketing efforts. Heightened agricultural activity will have to be attuned both to greater local self-sufficiency, and to increased production for export.

Generally, government must become more efficient. Red tape has to be cut, bureaucracy made leaner, and a culture of quick, courteous and effective service made the hallmark of the next Administration.

Tax reform is to be a key plank in the reorganization for greater productivity. And by a combination of efforts that will include the formation of a national bank, interest rates must be lowered and the cost of capital made more competitive.

In the first term, the UDP set great store by its pro-poor initiatives, its housing, education, employment and infrastructure drive. Government, as a matter of policy and deliberate strategy, became bigger. At a time of shrinking private sector activity because of planetary conditions, this was the right thing to do, the only thing to do. But the second term should see a gradually improving worldwide economic climate, with an eventual return to previous levels of foreign direct investment and international tourism activity. This now requires greater emphasis on the Belizean private sector; and that Government should do more to ensure the kind of enabling climate that will spur greater job-creating and wealth-enhancing business activity in Belize.

This, then, will be the challenge for the next UDP Government: to consolidate and expand public sector investment in people and the economy, while at the same time harnessing growth and development firmly to an enhanced driver's role for the private sector.

The UDP's dedication, commitment and track record are such that I believe no one will doubt our ability to handsomely meet and overcome this challenge, and all challenges.

Hon. Dean O. Barrow

o Extend the school assistance program from $300 to $350, the additional $50 as a uniform and book assistance grant.

o Shareholders income from private companies who gross $5 million or less will be exempt from personal income taxes.

o Establish a mortgage guarantee scheme to assist first time homeowners to cover their 10 % down payment on mortgage loans up to $100,000.

o Free up VOIP to residential landline customers in the next few months to be eventually extended to mobile devices.

o A full review of the import duties regime with a view to rationalize it.o Establishment of a National Bank.o Establish an insurance guarantee program for Exports.o Extend outpatient service at all polyclinics to a full 12 hours, including

weekends.o 15,000 house lots and farm land granted to new first time land

owners.o A new Belize City Infrastructure project.o Rebuild access roads to major tourist sites.o Build a new municipal airport in Belize Cityo Construction of a new road and bridge at Chetumal Street, with the

construction of a new police headquarters, sporting complex, administration building and national bus terminal on the new boulevard.

o New drainage project for Belama extension and northern highway.o Rebuild northern highway from Haulover Bridge to Boom Junction.o Emphasize the teaching of Belize's culture, history and politics at

primary and secondary schools.o Construct new public hospitals in San Pedro and Punta Gorda.

Commitments

TOURISM & CULTURE

o Program to improve service delivery countrywide, reduce waiting time at Lands Department offices, improve internal controls, safeguard files and land

tenure.o Implement the land

u s e p o l i c y a n d integrated planning framework as well as the National Forest

Policy to ensure sustainable forest management and ensure greater benefits to the people.

o Increase alternative livelihood opportunities for communities near protected areas to reduce poverty.

o Address climate change and natural disaster risk management within national plans and through collaboration with regional partners.

The UDP is committed to an energy policy that puts Belize on a path to energy efficiency, sustainability and resilience over the next 30 years, while maximizing economic benefits to the nation. In the next five years, the UDP will:

Peter Eden MartinezToledo East

Herman LongsworthAlbert

Elvin PennerCayo Northeast

Santino CastilloCaribbean Shores

Juan CoyToledo West

Landy BurnsOrange Walk East

George GoughFort George

Mark KingLake Independence

Edmund CastroBelize Rural North

Lee Mark ChangFreetown

Gabriel MartinezCorozal Southwest

Raul RosadoCorozal Southeast

Hugo PattCorozal North

Gaspar vegaOrange Walk North

Denni GrijalvaOrange Walk Central

Rosendo UrbinaOrange Walk South

Melvin HulseStann Creek West

Salvador FernandezCayo North

Patrick FaberCollet

Manuel HerediaBelize Rural South

Anthony MartinezPort Loyola

Michael FinneganMesopotamia

Wilfred ElringtonPickstock

Michael HutchinsonBelize Rural Central

Pablo MarinCorozal Bay

Rene MonteroCayo Central

Always for the People!Arthur Roches

Dangriga

Ramon WitzCayo South

Erwin ContrerasCayo West

John SaldivarBelmopan

Dean Oliver BarrowParty Leader / Queen’s Square