Belize: A Review of Public Expenditures.

This study undertakes a broad-based evaluation of public expenditures in Belize in order to identify ways of enhancing economic and social gains from public services. It reviews the budgeting and financial management systems used to translate public finances into public services, with a focus on social services that meet the needs and demands of the people of Belize. The study will show that although budget system and budget performance issues themselves yield a large menu of potential budget reforms, recent adverse macroeconomic developments in Belize arising out of persistent government deficits and debt build up currently dominate the government¿s financial and budgeting options and affect the choices that can be made in reforming the budget system. Some immediate problems facing the Belize economy are outlined.