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.
Business & Economy
Despite COVID-19 challenges, tourism is bouncing back
The current high tourism season is reportedly experiencing a good reception, with many stakeholders across the country reporting one of the busiest periods since the pandemic began in 2020. Although businesswise, things may be looking better, the new COVID-19 variants are a growing concern once again. With the increase in infections, potential visitors may think twice and hold off on making reservations or postpone their trips. There is also the concern to keep staff COVID-19 free. Stakeholders have been discussing better ways to deal with tourists testing positive, suggesting new ideas that would benefit both visitors and hotels.
Business & Economy
Sugar crop season back on track; BSI/ASR and cane farmers settled dispute over interim agreement
After some hurdles, the Belize Sugar Industries Limited (BSI)/American Sugar Refinery (ASR) and the Belize Sugar Cane Farmers Association (BSCFA) settled a dispute regarding an interim agreement. On Monday, January 3rd, the sugar cane crop started without further interruptions. As of 10AM the BSI/ASR began to receive the first loads of cane at the factory situated at Tower Hill just outside Orange Walk Town.
Business & Economy
Sugar crop season in limbo; no agreement reached between BSI/ASR and cane farmers association
The current standstill outside Orange Walk Town by the sugar factory continues with a possibility to come to an end on Monday, January 3, 2022. The main area of contention between the Belize Sugar Cane Farmers Association (BSCFA) and the Belize Sugar Industry (BSI)/American Sugar Refinery (ASR) is an interim agreement regarding the handling/ milling of the sugarcane expected to last throughout the crop in August of 2022, instead of only up to the end of April. Farmers fear that if the commercial agreement ends in April, it could jeopardize the sugar season of the upcoming year.