Business & Economy

The SPTC says that the 10% discount on property taxes applies to the tax year 2020-2021 and 2021-2022.

The flu clinic at Mar de Tumbo was not financially supported by Government before, and it is hoped that the new GOB will consider aiding it.

Business owners are urged to take advantage of the week-long special Township Day discount running Monday, Nov. 23rd - Friday, Nov. 27th.

License fees for all currently licensed tour operators will be waived by the BTB to help those badly affected by the  COVID-19 pandemic.

The SPTGA takes this opportunity to thank the many donors who continue to support the program that has been assisting its members since May of this year.

Under the current Statutory Instrument (SI) No. 136 of 2020 Quarantine (prevention of the Spread of Infectious Disease) (COVID-19) Regulations, only establishments that serve food can be open, and alcohol consumption is only allowed if customers are having a meal. On the island, many restaurants and bars have operated under one Publican Special license. It now seems that this liquor license only applies to bars, which are not allowed to open under the current SI. For businesses that operate both as a bar and restaurant but are now limited to function solely as a restaurant, the San Pedro Town Council now requires them to obtain a Restaurant liquor license. Many on the island have recently received the necessary license and are conducting business like a restaurant that only serves alcohol with a meal. Following a meeting on Tuesday, October 27th between members of the San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) and representatives of the local health authority, licensing board, and police department, it was agreed that establishments who recently obtained a Restaurant license, but were not inspected by the required health and safety officials, should be closed until Monday, November 2, 2020. According to the Mayor, once they are approved, they can reopen. The inspection will focus on ensuring that applicants have the adequate facilities required for a full-service kitchen. 

The International Financial Services Commission (the “IFSC”)  officially launched its Strategic Plan 2020-2023. The strategic plan is guided by five thematic areas (1. Governance, 2. Legal, Regulatory & Compliance, 3. Management, 4. Information Data & Resource Management, and 5. Communications), which are supported by five strategic goals.

On Tuesday, October 20th, H.E. Remus Li-Kuo Chen, Ambassador of the Republic of China (Taiwan) to Belize, presented a cheque for BZ$744,000 to the Chief Executive Officer in the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, Mr. Edmund Zuniga, for the implementation of the Cooperation in Breeding Sheep and Goat Production and Guidance System Enhancement Project.