Making Every Cent Count: NGO Senator's remarks at 2025 Budget Debate

Thursday, June 19, 2025- The Senate debated the Briceño administration’s largest budget to date—$1.782 billion—about two weeks ago.

NGO Senator Janelle Chanona, in her remarks, noted that while it may be difficult for many to connect the national budget to their daily lives, it is essential for all Belizeans to begin to “see ourselves in the budget.”

“We are challenged to help identify what we need to do to make sure our citizens don’t just hear about these big numbers, but to ensure they feel the weight of the budget—not on their heads holding them down—but in their backs pushing everybody forward.”

Senator Chanona’s full remarks can be viewed in the video below:

The Belize Network of NGOs urges all Belizeans to learn about the national budget—this is your money, and your future. By understanding how it’s spent, we can all play a part in making every cent count.