Tag:
Social Security Board
Community and Society
Northern Ambergris Caye resort acquires Beach Surf Rake to remove Sargassum
The Sargassum situation continues to affect Caribbean nations like Belize, which harms tourism. Stakeholders in places like San Pedro, Ambergris have joined the municipality in hiring labor to clean the beaches, but it has not been enough. The manual work even adds to the beach erosion, and it is hard to keep up with the daily influx. To get ahead of the game, Las Terrazas Resort north of San Pedro Town has acquired a special beach rake that can remove the rotting seaweed while leaving the sand behind.
Community and Society
Hol Chan Marine Reserve to secure SSB loan to combat Sargassum
The beaches of San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, as those across the country, are again choking with the heavy influx of the brown algae known as Sargassum. It has become an inconvenience making the shoreline unattractive with the rotten seaweed and threatening the local tourism industry. The Hol Chan Marine Reserve (HCMR) is securing a $3.5 million loan from the Social Security Board (SSB) to address the situation. Some consider this move by HCMR frivolous and that the Government of Belize should bear the expense. The Hol Chan management, however, explained the need for the loan and what the project was all about.
Community and Society
Pharmaceutical company withdraws $7 million loan application from SSB
Last month, a 7 million dollar loan from the Social Security Board (SSB) Investment Committee to Pharmacy Express Limited (PEL) raised concerns among the public. The Ministry of Health and Wellness (MOHW) also raised concerns about the loan application. The ministry claimed the company did not have a pharmaceutical license. On Thursday, August 11th, the SSB issued a statement revealing PEL’s decision not to proceed with the loan application.
Government
SSB loan proposal for pharmaceutical company raises concerns
Over the past few days, the news of a multi-million proposed loan from the Social Security Board (SSB) Investment Committee to a pharmaceutical supplier known as Pharmacy Express Limited has been raising eyebrows within the public, including the Ministry of Health and Wellness (MOHW). The loan application from the said pharmaceutical company is for $7 million and is needed for 'refinancing and inventory purposes.'
Community and Society
Increase in Social Security contributions go into effect in April
The scheduled increase in Social Security contributions goes into effect on Monday, April 4th, translating to a rise from 9% to 10% and raising the insurable wage ceiling from $480 to $520. This upcoming change increases the maximum cash benefit of $416 weekly for short-term benefits and $312 weekly or $16,224 yearly for pensions.
Community and Society
Increase in Social Security contributions deferred again
The scheduled increase in social security contributions that was to take place on January 3rd is postponed until April 4, 2022. The contributions rate will increase from 9% to 10% and raise the insurable wage ceiling from $480 to $520.
Community and Society
SSB Provides Update on the 2022 Contribution Rate Increase
The Social Security Board informs of Cabinet’s decision to defer Phase III of the reforms which commenced in 2019 from the previously announced date of January 3, 2022 to Monday April 4, 2022.
Government
Update on Phase Two of Unemployment Relief Program
Phase 2 of the Covid-19 Unemployment Relief Program opened for applications on August 3, 2020. The total number of applications received as of September 3rd, is 61,395. 7,418 applications have been approved. Of these, 6,621 payments have been processed by the National Bank. The Central Bank closed the automatic payment system on September 2nd as a part of the emergency preparation for Tropical Storm Nana. As soon as the system is re-opened payments will resume.