Business & Economy
Belize is removed from the EU List of Harmful Preferential Tax Regimes
The Government of Belize has been informed that the recent amendments to both the Income and Business Tax Act and Tax Administrative and Procedure Act on December 23rd have been positively assessed and the ECOFIN Council has agreed to remove Belize from the EU list of harmful preferential tax regimes (Annex II).
Government
Opposition and national unions condemn corruption
The ruling United Democratic Party (UDP) has been the center of attention over the past weeks following the scandal regarding the relationship of former Minister of National Security Honourable John Saldivar and international fraudster Lev Dermen. Adding fuel to the fire is the $1.5 billion that was allegedly spent unconstitutionally by Prime Minister Right Honourable Dean Barrow. To show the current government their dissatisfaction, all 10 unions in Belize shared a series of conditions for the government to implement prior to this year’s general elections, while the Opposition People’s United Party (PUP) is set for a demonstration on Sunday, February 23rd in Belize City.
Government
Belize Cybercrime law to secure credit card payments
The Council of Europe and the Forum of Presidents of Legislative Assemblies (FOPREL) of Central America and the Caribbean are helping to draft the law at a four-day workshop hosted by the Ministry of National Security at the Best Western Biltmore Plaza Hotel from Monday through Thursday, February 13th.
Government
Belize Hosts First Mesoamerica Project Executive Commissioners Meeting
Belize hosted the First Meeting of the Executive Commission of the Mesoamerica Integration and Development Project under its Co-Presidency Pro-tempore of the Mesoamerica Integration and Development Project. During the meeting, Presidential Commissioners of the Project received Belize’s Work Plan and Calendar of Activities of its Co-Pro-Tempore Presidency. Mexico serves as a Permanent Pro-tempore Presidency of the Project.
Crime & Violence
Jacob Kingston says UDP leader-elect John Saldivar received monies from accused fraudster Lev Dermen
According to a report from News 5 Live, Kingston told the court that United Democratic Party (UDP) Leader-elect, Honourable John Saldivar was said to have received money from Lev Dermen in 2012. Kingston’s testimony indicates that Dermen gave Saldivar ‘stacks of cash’ of $10,000US during a trip to Belize in 2012.
Government
Belize Signs Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons
On February 6, 2020, the Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Belize to the United Nations, H.E. Lois M. Young, acting on behalf of the Government of Belize, signed the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons.
Government
NTUCB demands GOB to implement the UNCAC by the end of February
The Government of Belize signed the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC) in December 2016 to assure Belizeans of its commitment to fight corruption. However, almost four years later, UNCAC remains unimplemented, triggering the dissatisfaction of several organizations, including the National Trade Union Congress of Belize (NTUCB).
Government
Chief Justice says PM Dean Barrow illegally spent $1.5 billion
The United Democratic Party government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Right Honourable Dean Barrow, has been found responsible for unconstitutionally spending $1.5 billion.