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.
Business & Economy
Minister of Agriculture and Belize Rural North Area Representative Participate in Belize District Agriculture Field Trip
Hon. Jose Abelardo Mai, Minister of Agriculture, Food Security and Enterprise, and Hon. Marconi Leal, area representative of Belize Rural North, on March 31, 2021, visited selected areas of the Belize District as part of a field trip organized by the Belize District Agriculture Department. The purpose of the field trip was to learn about the farmers and crops grown in the areas as well as exchange experiences, expertise and ideas with the Ministry’s extension service and farmers from other districts.
Business & Economy
BELTRAIDE Launches New Female Entrepreneurship Website
The Belize Trade and Investment Development Service (BELTRAIDE) which enables and facilitates innovative and competitive business development is proud to announce the launch of a newly designed mentorship website called Female Entrepreneurship Website. The website is designed primarily for women, as a part of Belize’s first Female Entrepreneurship Program which was inaugurated in May 2019 with support from the Regional Center for the Promotion of Micro and Small Enterprises (CENPROMYPE).