Belize City was buzzing with traffic as another U.S. tradition has been adopted into the Belizean culture. “Black Friday” sales were happening across the municipality and people were making sure they took advantage of the great promotions and deals and stocked up for the Christmas holidays which is a month away. Duane Moody, Reporting […]
American Thanksgiving usually marks the unofficial start of the tourist high season which runs through January. This year, tourism stakeholders are beginning to see their bookings go up. But protecting that revenue stream means there has to be collaboration to minimize COVID numbers. And that ever sensitive issue that also has a bearing on our […]
On Wednesday the Government of Belize met with social partners to review the country’s economic performance. The Joint Union Negotiating Team has requested a separate meeting and reports are that the Joint Unions are saying it’s time for their members to get back that ten percent that was cut at the onset of the 2021/2022 […]
That meeting with the Government of Belize and the Joint Unions Negotiating Team has been proposed until December eighth. But, how reasonable is the expectation of a return to full salary for public servants and teachers? Minister Fonseca commented. Francis Fonseca, Minister of Education “I think we have come a long way in one […]
The recent Investment Summit was a success, at least from the level of interest that it drew from the more than two hundred participants. Minister of State in Finance, Chris Coye, shared with News Five today that there has been continuous exchange and interest shown, but that in due course, tangible arrangements should follow. […]
Minister Coye believes Belize has not been maximizing the ability to market our goods and services closer to home and that we ought to double our efforts toward that end. Chris Coye, Minister of State, Finance “We have not been focusing for export in our neighbouring countries and when we look at the size […]
The next sugar crop is set to commence on December twentieth, but ASR/BSI is still at odds with the Belize Sugar Cane Farmers Association. This is over an existing cane purchase agreement which the representative body of cane farmers in the north argues should be terminated. While three other cane farmers associations are in agreement […]
BSI’s Chief Financial Officer Shawn Chavarria explains the benefits that farmers are enjoying from the manufacture and sale of direct consumption sugars to the external market. Shawn Chavarria, Chief Financial Officer, BSI “Farmers are already seeing as well the benefits of that investment, the increased production of direct consumption sugar. We’ve highlighted to them […]
According to the C.F.O., approximately half the total population of sugar cane farmers in the north is in favor of a long-term cane purchase agreement. Shawn Chavarria, Chief Financial Officer, BSI “We have fifty percent of the cane farmers signing up for a long-term agreement. I think they see the benefits of continuing with […]
The nine months of 2021 looked far better than the same period in 2020, according to statisticians who collected data on the country’s economy, employment and inflation rates, and external trade. Today the data was presented to the media and Marion Ali was present and filed the following report. Marion Ali, Reporting The cost […]
If you have been trying to explain to younger people that a dollar seemed to stretch further or things were simply less expensive “back in the day,” and they didn’t believe you, well now you have some evidence to back up your stories. Figures shared by the Statistical Institute of Belize today showed that since […]
Belize’s economy grew in the first ten months of this year, compared to the same period of 2020. That has been the line that the government has been sticking to since it took austerity measures to salvage what was left of the economy as a result of COVID and what it dubbed as reckless spending […]
The dire financial situation of the government’s flagship hospital, the Karl Heusner Memorial, is public knowledge. But today the Chairman of the K.H.M.H. Authority, Doctor Andre Sosa, provided some background context. During an appearance on Channel Five’s Open Your Eyes, he explained that while the K.H.M.H. did get thirty million dollars in government subvention, the […]
Belize is making it easier for U.S. visitors with the new direct flights by Alaska Air from Seattle, Washington. These will connect tourists on the U.S. most northwestern seaboard to Central America twice a week. The inaugural flight coincided with the November nineteenth festivities and ceremonial drumming was held at the Seattle airport and upon […]
While there is much to celebrate about getting two more flight with tourists per week to Belize, the Belize Tourism Board has also been marketing the country to other location within the United States. Following the ceremony on Friday, News Five asked Minister Mahler what other areas we are looking to, to attract more tourists […]
On matters related to the economy, area representative Tracy Panton today called on the Briceño administration to immediately lower taxes on fuels. Panton argues that while government cannot control global prices, it has the ability to decrease its tax intake on fuel. Panton reasoned that skyrocketing fuel prices is the main driver of price increases […]
There’s a new winner for Scratch and Win and he’s from Corozal Town. This morning Juan stopped by our office here on Coney Drive and he brought along his winning ten dollar ticket that has him fifty thousand dollars richer. Scratch and win has launched new games and players can win up to two hundred […]
Themed “Belize Open for Business,” Belize’s first Investment Summit took place this week in San Pedro. The initiative aims to jumpstart the rebuilding efforts, restoring the country’s ravaged economy, to at least to pre-COVID status—if not better. Speakers on the panel discussions hovered over what Belize needs to do to become more financially steady and […]
As we reported earlier, the IDB is providing Belize with a loan to assist in our strengthening of micro, small and medium sized businesses. IDB President, Mauricio Claver-Carone spoke virtually to the participants today and shared why the IDB supports Belize’s efforts. Mauricio Claver-Carone, President IDB “The proximity of Belize to the large markets […]
Also at day two of the Investment Summit today, General Manager of the Cayo Grain and Agro Supply Limited, Gilbert Canton Junior shared with the potential investors that the investment needs in that industry are wide-ranging. Gilbert Canton, Jr., Gen. Mgr., Cayo Grain & Agro Supply Ltd. “We need to take our corn, we […]
During day one of the Investment Summit, News Five spoke with Leader of the Opposition, Patrick Faber about a number of issues, including the Blue Bonds. He reiterated statements made in the House about the effort originating under the previous administration, but also emphasized that the Belizean people do not need to worry about any […]
Last night we told you that new curfew hours, giving Belizeans additional time to be out at night, will be rolling out beginning November twenty-second. Restaurants will also no longer be required to check vaccination cards after that date. But this has raised concerns, since at least twenty COVID deaths have been reported in the […]
The first ever Belize Investment Summit opened today on La Isla Bonita, San Pedro with potential investors arriving from around the hemisphere. The convergence is designed to attract much-needed capital for Belize’s development post-COVID and diversify the economy. Prime Minister John Briceño opened the Summit by saying Belize has many advantages, yes, but he was […]
Also present at the official launch of the Belize Investment Summit was Leader of the Opposition Patrick Faber. While he is usually one of the government’s toughest critics, today he was being a team player. He spoke to reporters at the event. Patrick Faber, Leader of the Opposition “You are correct in referring to […]
While Tourism, the Blue Economy, and Infrastructure Development are sectors that will no doubt be looking to benefit from the fruits the Summit will bring about, the agriculture industry is also looking to see how it can tap into the opportunities created. Minister Abelardo Mai shared his views on how investment can further develop that […]
