Tag:
Government of Belize
Government
CCCCC Launches BZD$77 million Project to Build Climate Resilience in the Sugarcane Industry in Belize
The Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (CCCCC) in partnership with the Government of Belize, and key industry stakeholders, officially launched the “Building the Adaptive Capacity of Sugarcane Farmers in Northern Belize” (BAC-SuF) project. The launch took place at Escuela Secundaria Técnica México (Secondary and Vocational School of Mexico) in Corozal. This first-time initiative for the Government of Belize and the CCCCC aims to strengthen the resilience of Belize’s vital sugarcane industry in the face of climate change.
Government
Belize Launches New Energy Project to Enhance Power Reliability and Boost Renewables
The Government of Belize, in partnership with the World Bank and the Government of Canada, announced the launch of a new energy project aimed at strengthening the country’s power supply and improving the reliability of its electricity services. The $58.4 million initiative will also help optimize consumer costs and ensure renewable energy sources are better utilized.
Conservation
Multimillion-dollar Blue Economy project approved by the World Bank to benefit Ambergris Caye
On Monday, February 3rd, the World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors announced that it had approved a new project called “Blue Cities and Beyond.” This initiative aims to support Belize’s Blue Economy by promoting the sustainable use of ocean and coastal resources for economic development while protecting the environment and improving livelihoods. Valued at US$32.23 million, the project will fund initiatives in San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, Belize City, and Punta Gorda in southern Belize.
Government
Belize Advances SDG Financing with UNCTAD and ECLAC
The Government of Belize has concluded a week of consultations with UNCTAD and ECLAC to strengthen Belize’s access to sustainable development financing. At the end of the consultations, Ambassador Amalia Mai, CEO in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, met with the delegation to formally close the discussions, which focused on securing affordable external funding, improving debt sustainability, and expanding climate finance through UNCTAD’s Sustainable Development Finance Assessment (SDFA) framework.
Business & Economy
Government of Belize seeks to increase the hotel tax to 12.5%
The Government of Belize (GOB) is considering a significant increase in the hotel tax, proposing to raise it from the current rate of 9% to 12.5%. This proposal follows a period of unprecedented growth in the country's tourism sector. The planned tax increase is part of a broader strategy to enhance tourism infrastructure and support national development. This decision aligns with the government's goal of taking advantage of the thriving tourism industry by generating additional revenue through higher taxes.
Politics and Government
Donald Trump returns to the White House as President, Belize’s diplomatic relations in question
As of January 20th, the United States of America (USA) has a new president. Donald J. Trump returned to the White House for a second time, serving as the 47th President after winning the presidential election in November of the previous year along with his running mate, James David Vance. In the first hours of his presidency, Trump signed a series of executive orders, some of which called for mass deportations of undocumented residents and proposed changes to foreign aid for countries like Belize.
Business & Economy
Income tax exemption threshold is now set to $29,000
As of January 1, 2025, a new income tax exemption threshold was implemented, raising the threshold from $26,000 to $29,000. This change means that workers earning less than $29,000 annually will no longer be required to pay income tax. As a result, over 3000 employees earning below this limit will benefit from making income tax payments, which is a significant advantage for those within this income.
Business & Economy
New World Screwworm: A Potential Threat to Belize’s Livestock Industry
Belize is facing a new issue with New World Screwworm (NWS). The NWS is a highly destructive parasite primarily targeting livestock and other animals. The first case was identified on December 30, 2024, in the Crique Sarco Village Toledo District, followed by another case reported in early January 2025 in the San Pedro Columbia Village. In response, officials have implemented strict measures, including a quarantine zone of three miles around the affected farms, and special permits are now required to move cattle.