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On January 20th, US President Donald Trump ordered a sweeping 90 day freeze on almost all foreign aid. And that includes dozens of projects being funded in Belize - all at different phases. Today we asked the minister of Foreign affairs how severe of an impact this is on some of the largest US funded programs in Belize, like CARSI:
Reporter
"Sir, the US government frozen funds and the projected impact for Belize - we are told it will affect 40 programs in Belize, some of them already in progress. Can you discuss the impact?"
Francis Fonseca, Minister of Education
"We've had a discussion its not even the US Embassy here in Belize, are still working on that issue to get clarity on what programs will be affected. I think you mentioned 40 and they have said to us that perhaps about 16 programs that are underway may have some impact on that so we are still not clear on what programs will be impacted. But certainly we are working with them to try to ensure that we get more information and whatever gaps exist obviously as the government for any important programs as the government we will have to ensure we fill those gaps."
Reporter
"Are there priority areas that Belize will be submitting to the US for consideration?"
Francis Fonseca, Minister of Education
"Yeah I think again we have to get all the information as I said we are in constant dialogue with the US embassy here I met with the new charge de affairs last week we had a very good discussion and they are still gathering information so we don't want to make any premature requests we want to wait until we get all the information and to see exactly what the impact will be but of course we are also preparing ourselves and making sure that we are identifying resources and funds as I said where there are any gaps that exist we will make sure that we fill those gaps."
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