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.
Business & Economy
BEL Adds COPA Charge to August Electricity Bills
Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) has implemented a new Cost of Power Adjustment (COPA), increasing electricity charges by 1.5 cents per kilowatt-hour on bills issued in August 2026. The adjustment was announced on August 19 and took effect immediately. It follows a final decision by the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) and applies to customers across Belize, including San Pedro, except vulnerable households receiving the Social Rate.
Business & Economy
Thousands Cross Borders Despite GST-Free Back-to-School Shopping
Despite Belize’s GST-free shopping day on August 15th, thousands of shoppers still crossed the borders in search of cheaper back-to-school purchases, particularly in Melchor de Mencos, Guatemala, and Chetumal, Mexico. Border officials reported heavy movement over the weekend, suggesting that tax-free shopping at home did not stop many Belizeans from crossing the border for better deals.
Business & Economy
Back-to-School Tax-Free Saturdays Offer Savings for Belizean Families
The Belize Tax Service (BTS) has announced two back-to-school tax-free Saturdays, set for August 15th and 29th, 2026, giving families across Belize, including San Pedro, an opportunity to save on school shopping. The initiative will apply nationwide at participating businesses and cover approved school supplies and laptops, which will be GST-free on the designated days.
Business & Economy
Secret Beach stakeholders meet to address ongoing challenges
On Friday, August 7th, members of the Secret Beach Association (SBA) convened a meeting to address several concerns affecting stakeholders and the growing tourism destination northwest of San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye. Among the main issues discussed were security, public health, road infrastructure, and garbage collection. Several government officials and agencies were invited to participate in the discussion; however, some were not represented at the meeting.