Business & Economy
No increase in electricity rates expected until June
The Public Utilities Commission (PUC) has decided to keep the current Mean Electricity Rate of $0.39.9 per kilowatt-hour instead of the proposed increase of $0.41.5 per kilowatt-hour. The current rate will remain until June 30, 2022.
Business & Economy
CEFAS Hosts Aquaculture Workshop for Shrimp Farmers
An aquaculture workshop was held on February 7, 2022 at the Tilapia Hatchery Center in Central Farm, Cayo District, for shrimp farmers. The workshop was facilitated by Grant Stentiford and Matthew Sanders, aquaculture experts from the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS), an agency under the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs in the United Kingdom.
Business & Economy
Launch of Matching Grant Program for Tourism Small and Medium sized enterprises
On Monday, January 31, the Belize Tourism Board (BTB) officially launched a call for Expression of Interest (EOI) for Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs) interested in applying for Grant Funding under the “Matching Grant Program for Tourism Small and Medium Sized Enterprises”.
Business & Economy
25 Caye Caulker residents’ complete sea salt production and seaweed farming training
On Wednesday, January 26th, a group of 25 Hicaqueños celebrated their completion of a diversification training, helping them with the skills to utilize the island’s resources for sustainable livelihoods such as the production of sea salt and seaweed cultivation. The program was made possible through the Ministry of the Blue Economy and Caye Caulker’s Belize Tourism Industry Association (BTIA) chapter.
Business & Economy
Expect to pay more for goods if tensions between stevedores and Port of Belize is not resolved
The cost and even the availability of certain goods may be significantly affected in the coming days due to disruptions at Port of Belize Limited in Belize City. A stand-off between the port and stevedores led by the Christian Workers’ Union had led to an industrial action that has stalled the shipping services at the country’s busiest port. If not adequately addressed, the situation could have dire financial consequences for the country’s economy.
Business & Economy
IDB Invest Supports Manufacturing Sector in Belize with Recinos
IDB Invest has provided a $1 million loan to Recinos, a large distributor of select and international brands of imported goods in Belize, to expand its operations in the manufacturing sector and support supply chain resiliency.
Business & Economy
Official ground-breaking ceremony for upcoming Marriott Residences Ambergris Caye
Another luxurious beach resort under the Marriott’s Hotel signature brand is coming to San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye. On Friday, January 14th, a ground-breaking ceremony took place at the site where the Belize Marriott Residences Ambergris Caye will stand. The project calls for an over 200-unit hotel, branded residences, and conference facilities, among other top-notch amenities for its guests.
Business & Economy
Belize to benefit with millions from foreign aid to help micro, small and medium enterprises
Belize could see between $US200 and $US500 million in grant funding from an independent United States Government foreign aid agency called Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC). This funding, expected in 2023, would aid the nation’s economic development and last for five years.