Business & Economy
Ministry of Tourism, BTB, and Tourism Police commit to address tour operator issues in San Pedro
Members of the San Pedro Tour Operators Association (SPTOA) met with the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ministry of Tourism, Acting Director of the Belize Tourism Board (BTB), and head of the Tourism Police Unit on Wednesday, April 21st, to discuss various issues relating to tour operators on the island. The government representatives listened to the issues brought up by SPTOA members, such as the operation of unlicensed tour operators. The representatives committed to tackling the situation by increasing inspections and improving enforcement. The option to categorize licenses and address the alleged violations in the Qualified Retirement Program (QRP) was also discussed.
Business & Economy
Minister of Agriculture Appoints Citrus Working Group
The working group is to be chaired by Hugh O’Brien, former chief executive officer in the Ministry of Agriculture, and includes Dr. Eugene Cleland, representative for the Citrus Growers Association (CGA); Ernest Raymond, representative for Belize Citrus Mutual (BCM); Kent Herrera, representative for Citrus Products of Belize Limited (CPBL); Franklyn Magloire, representative, Development Finance Corporation (DFC); Jose Novelo, representative for the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Enterprise; and a representative from the Ministry of Foreign Trade.
Business & Economy
Bigger and Better; SPTC hosts second Market Day
This second commerce-geared event was bigger than the previous one and offered great deals on an assortment of products. The variety of services and products to pick from seemed endless, from the freshest of fruits and vegetables to local cuisine to skincare products, footwear, clothing, liquor, spa services, arts and craft, jewellery, promos on phone credit, plants for sale, paintings and even a beer garden, among others.
Business & Economy
Belize Delegation Participates in World Bank/IMF’s Spring Meetings
On April 10, 2021, a Belizean delegation participated virtually in the World Bank/IMF’s Spring Meetings. Led by Hon. Christopher Coye, Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and Investment, the delegation included Mrs. Narda Garcia, CEO in the Office of the Prime Minister, and Mrs. Elvira Mendez, Belize’s Counsellor to the IDB’s Office of Executive Directors.
Business & Economy
Scotiabank and Belize Bank still working independently for now
It has been a little over a week since the Scotiabank signage was removed from all branches countrywide and replaced with a Belize Bank sign. This came after Belize Bank's parent company Caribbean Investment Holdings Limited, took over Scotiabank. Customers who may be confused with these financial institutions' merging are advised that although everything seems to be under Belize Bank, there is an ongoing transition, and both banks are operating as two different entities for now.
Business & Economy
GOB ready to reduce teachers’ and public officers’ salaries; unions poised to respond
On Friday, April 9th, the Government of Belize (GOB) is set to introduce the budget for the new fiscal year 2021-2022 at a special House Sitting in the Capital City of Belmopan. One of the topics of interest is the proposed 10% salary reduction for teachers and public officers. Although this proposal has been rejected by the Belize National Teachers Association,Association of Public Service Senior Managers and the Public Service Union, GOB remains convinced that a salary cut is necessary.
Business & Economy
The cost of chicken increases after feed prices goes up
Effective Tuesday, April 6th, customers could see themselves paying a bit extra for poultry products. The Belize Poultry Association (BPA) indicated that the price per pound for whole chicken would go up by six cents, special chicken by ten cents, and chicken parts will cost 0.16 cents more. Rates on Ambergris Caye will be higher, with prices increasing up to 0.28 cents.
Business & Economy
Appointment of New Governor of the Central Bank of Belize
Governor General, Sir Colville Young GCMG MBE, on the advice of Prime Minister, Hon. John Briceno, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Economic Development, and Investment, signed a Writ of Appointment naming Mr. Gustavo Manuel Vasquez as Governor of the Central Bank of Belize, with effect from 01 April 2021.
