Business & Economy
Government Clarifies Plans for Proposed Belize Revenue Authority
Following protests and concerns raised by employees of the Belize Tax Service Department (BTSD), the Government of Belize has issued a detailed explanation of its plan to establish the semi-autonomous Belize Revenue Authority (BRA). In a press release issued on September 4th, the Ministry of Finance and the BTSD said the reform is intended to strengthen tax administration, improve services for taxpayers and protect government revenue. The proposed institution has also been widely referred to as the Semi-Autonomous Revenue Authority (SARA).
Business & Economy
GOB Expands GST Exemption on Residential Electricity Bills
The Government of Belize (GOB) has expanded the General Sales Tax (GST) exemption on residential electricity bills, raising the monthly threshold from $100 to $200. The measure is intended to provide relief to Belizeans facing higher electricity costs.
Business & Economy
Tourism Minister Pushes Back Against Proposed Accommodation Tax Increase
As opposition grows against a proposed increase in Belize’s hotel accommodation tax from 9% to 12.5%, Minister of Tourism Honorable Anthony Mahler has said he does not believe the timing is right. He noted that discussions have been ongoing for nearly two years but described the recent announcement of the proposal as premature.
Business & Economy
Officials Reject Rumors of Increased Fares Across Caye Caulker Split
A rumor claiming that transportation fares across The Split in Caye Caulker had increased has been rejected by both the Belize Port Authority (BPA) and the Caye Caulker Village Council. The claim, which circulated on social media in late August, suggested that golf cart users would be charged $60 for a round trip, plus an additional fee for each passenger.
Business & Economy
SIB reports Consumer confidence improves despite rising cost of living
Belizean consumers showed a slight improvement in confidence in July 2026, even as the cost of living continued to rise. According to the latest reports from the Statistical Institute of Belize (SIB), the national Consumer Confidence Index increased for the first time since the beginning of the year, while consumer prices rose by 4.1% compared to July 2025.
Business & Economy
124 Belizean Women Graduate from CatalyzeHER Incubator Program
The CatalyzeHER Potential Initiative marked a milestone on August 29th, as NIME Belize and its partner, IDB Lab, hosted a national closing ceremony in Belize City to celebrate the completion of Stage 1 of the Incubator Program. The event brought together graduates from across the country, guest speakers, funding partners, and dignitaries to recognize the achievements of 124 women entrepreneurs from all six districts of Belize.
Business & Economy
Belize’s Real Estate Industry Unites Under the Belize Real Estate Association (BREA); AREBB and BNAR Complete Historic Merger, Marking a New Era for Professionalism...
The Association of Real Estate Brokers of Belize (AREBB) and the Belize National Association of Real Estate (BNAR) are pleased to announce the successful completion of the merger of their two organizations, resulting in the establishment of the Belize Real Estate Association (BREA)—a unified national association dedicated to advancing professionalism, advocacy, education, and ethical standards within Belize's real estate industry.
Business & Economy
Belize Tax Service Employees Protest Proposed SARA Revenue Authority
On August 26th, employees of the Belize Tax Service (BTS) protested against the recently approved Revenue Authority Bill, also known as the SARA Bill. The proposed legislation would remove tax collection from a regular government department and place it under a new revenue authority with its own management, employees, and budget. However, the Minister of Finance would retain significant control over its leadership and general direction.
Business & Economy
Tourism Stakeholders Warn Proposed Hotel Tax Increase Could Hurt Belize’s Competitiveness
Opposition continues to grow against a proposed increase in Belize’s hotel accommodation tax from the current 9% to 12.5%. Tourism stakeholders on the cayes and across the country believe the increase could make Belize a more expensive destination and place the country at a disadvantage when competing with other destinations in the region.
Business & Economy
BEL Explains Higher Electricity Bills Amid $30 Million Debt to Mexican Power Supplier
On Monday, August 24th, Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) addressed concerns over recent increases in electricity bills, attributing much of the higher consumption to increased temperatures associated with the dry season. BEL Executive Chairman Lynn Young explained that appliances and electronic devices consume more energy during hotter weather. Meanwhile, the company disclosed that it owes approximately $30 million to Mexican power supplier Comisión Federal de Electricidad (CFE).
Business & Economy
National MSME Roadshow and Buy Belize Expo held in San Pedro
The National MSME Roadshow rolled into San Pedro from August 20th through the 22nd, bringing three days of free training, multi-agency services, and a Buy Belize Expo to the island community. Organized under the directive of the Office of the Prime Minister, the initiative is a collaboration with BELTRAIDE, the Economic Development Council, and the Investment Policy and Compliance Unit. Activities were held at the Lion’s Den on August 20th and 21st and concluded with the Buy Belize Expo at San Pedro Central Park on August 22nd.