Business & Economy
BTB waives Tour Operators’ license renewal fee
License fees for all currently licensed tour operators will be waived by the BTB to help those badly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Business & Economy
SPTGA thanks donors for supporting their pantry program
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.
Business & Economy
Town Council tells businesses recently granted restaurant liquor license to close until properly vetted
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.
Business & Economy
IFSC Launches Strategic Plan 2020-2023
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.
Business & Economy
Presentation of Funds to Implement Phase II of Sheep and Goat Project
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.
Business & Economy
Notice to Farmers for Cash Transfer Program
The Ministry of Food and Agriculture informs all farmers who qualify for cash support under the Contingency Emergency Response Component to visit their district agriculture office to collect their relief funds. Farmers are advised to adhere to COVID-19 protocols when doing so.
Business & Economy
New SI to allow tourists free movement, more persons in restaurants, and no more mandatory quarantine for returnees
To boost the tourism industry and deliver a degree of fairness among visitors and Belizeans alike, a new SI coming into effect on Monday, October 19th won't confine tourists to Gold Standard hotels & Belizeans/permanent residents will not be required to undergo a 10-day quarantine.
Business & Economy
Update on Unemployment Relief Program
The total number of applications received under Phase 2 of the COVID-19 Unemployment Relief Program (URP) as of October 8, 2020 was 66,859. Of these, 42,575 applications have been approved and sent to National Bank of Belize for payment. Of the approved applications, 23,818 were from laid off persons and 18,757 were self-employed persons. Approvals are almost evenly divided between males and females.