Economy - Greater Belize Media

Belize Women’s Seaweed Farmers Association Launches Mariculture Project

Today, the Belize Women’s Seaweed Farmers Association (BWSFA) launched an exciting new mariculture project called “Empowering BWSFA: Strengthening Sustainable Seaweed Mariculture through Capacity Building, Marketing, and Innovation.” This project aims to provide environmentally sustainable and socially inclusive solutions for Belize’s blue economy, which has been hit hard by overfishing, unsustainable practices, and the COVID-19 pandemic. The project has received around $100,000 from the UK Government’s Sustainable Blue Economies Program Blue Social Challenge Fund. BWSFA President Jalima Gold explained that this initiative will help grow Belize’s mariculture sector through training, farm expansions, and community involvement. Here’s more on this transformative project.

Jalima Gold, President, BWSFA

“Our goal is to create high quality seaweed products while preserving Belize’s marine environment and supporting our communities by focusing on the framework of the seaweed mariculture industry here in Belize. We currently cultivate two key types of seaweed one is Ecoma isophorum and the other is Capificus albaresi, and these are cultivated using eco friendly practices that protect our waters and bost marine life in the surrounding areas. Beyond just farming seaweed, we are empowering our members to turn this seaweed into valuable products like cosmetics and nutritious food items. As an association, we are promoting sustainable economic growth, marine conservation, climate resilience, and gender equality. All major sustainable development goals for the country of Belize. Our work helps reduce overfishing, provide habitats for marine life, and create opportunities for women and youth in coastal communities. Community impact goes beyond just income. As a women led organization, BWSFA not only creates jobs, but it also empowers women and youth to lead by breaking gender barriers in our community. We build capacity, we provide support in value adding, in farming, and marketing of small businesses within our community. Our methods contribute to a healthier marine ecosystem and more biodiversity, which is a benefit to Belize as a whole, our whole community, and the world at large. Belize Women’s Seaweed Farmers Association deserves this award because we are doing much more than just growing seaweed. We are growing the future of the blue economy here in Belize. Our model proves that the environmental responsibility and economic opportunity can go hand in hand. We’re here as an association to create real lasting change for Belize’s waters, our communities, and the people of our country.”

Chunox Village Says Goodbye to Dirty Drinking Water

On Tuesday, we shared the exciting news about a new water system in Guinea Grass Village. Continuing the government’s mission to provide clean, potable water to all Belizeans, the Ministry of Rural Transformation and its partners have now unveiled a new water system in Chunox, Corozal. Before this, the village relied on a single, unfiltered pump for their water needs. Now, with this state-of-the-art system, residents will enjoy 24/7 access to clean water. Clean water is essential for health and well-being, and this new system is a significant step forward. Here’s News Five’s Britney Gordon with more details.

Britney Gordon, Reporting

Residents of Chunox Village are overjoyed as they celebrate the arrival of a newly renovated water system. This marks a new era where clean, safe water is no longer a luxury but a guaranteed necessity in every household. Deputy Village Chairman, Eliomar Santiya, praised this significant development, highlighting its importance for the community’s health and well-being.

Eliomar Santoya, Deputy Chairman, Chunox Village

“For years, our community has been faced tremendous challenges in our water supplies. Under previous administration, under thirteen years of unsafe, unreliable, and inadequate water for our daily needs. This hardship has deeply affected our Chunoxeños, young and old, everyone in our community. Today, with a breath of sight of relief. As our community has a success and access to purified and safe drinking water, this project ensures better, Help for all families in our community, strengthen the foundation of our community and guarantee brighter future for our children.”

The project kicked off in April 2023, with a budget of nine hundred thousand US dollars. The CARICOM Development Fund provided the funding, and over half a million dollars went into buying and installing the reverse osmosis system. Carlos Tun, the Executive Director of the Belize Social Investment Fund, shares more about this important development.

Carlos Tun, Executive Director, B.S.F.

“ The project’s goal was clear, to provide a safe and reliable water supply for domestic and productive purposes. Earlier this year, we celebrated the San Antonio water system. Tomorrow, we will mark the achievement in Georgeville. But today, it’s about this village and the transformative water system we are inaugurating right here. In Chunox, the scope of work carried out included, One, the installation of water measuring and control devices. The installation of new pumping system and chlorinators upgrades to the electrical systems and most significantly the installation of a reverse osmosis water purification system. Now, many of us here have had the opportunity to drink this water and let me say it is good drinking water, clean, safe and refreshing.”

According to Corozal Southeast Area Representative, Florencio Marin Jr, the water system is just one of many investments made for the betterment of the community.

Florencio Marin Jr., Area Rep., Corozal Southeast

“Chunox is the most heavily invested village in Corozal Southeast. Chunox got the NHI system that has significantly improved healthcare in this village and the surrounding areas. Chunox now have free education at St. Viator. Thanks to these people of the United Party Government. And, now, Chunox has the most modern water system in the country. And perhaps the cleanest, most healthy water for the country that I believe. I’m very proud to be the area rep. I’m grateful to the Ministry of Rural Transformation.”

Britney Gordon for News Five Live.

Guatemalan Navy Exits Belizean Waters After Heated Exchange

This morning around eight-thirty, coast guard personnel at the Hunting Caye outpost spotted a Guatemalan naval vessel in Belizean waters near Ragged Caye, about three miles south of Hunting Caye. Commandant of the Belize Coast Guard, Rear Admiral Elton Bennett, reported that there was an exchange of words between the personnel on the boat and Belizean patrol. After about twenty minutes, the Guatemalan vessel departed. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade has issued a press release stating that it will strongly protest this illegal incursion by the Guatemalan patrol boat. The ministry is calling on Guatemalan authorities to prevent their armed forces from entering Belizean waters without authorization. They also emphasized that they would continue to engage in dialogue with their Guatemalan counterparts to ensure that Belize’s maritime and territorial integrity, as well as its internationally recognized borders, are respected. Rear Admiral Bennett noted that the Guatemalans claimed they were in their own waters. Unlike previous incidents, the vessel did not run aground on the reef, and no weapons were drawn. Bennett described the encounter as non-aggressive.

Rear Admiral Elton Bennett, Commandant, Belize Coast Guard

“There was a vessel that appeared to be a hydrography vessel that belonged to the Guatemalan Navy, 65 feet in length, and were patrolled then inform them that they were inside Belizean waters. It was an exchange of words at that location. And eventually the Guatemalan patrol vessel, um, departed. We escorted that vessel outside of Belizean waters from here the Ministry of Defense will then inform the Ministry of Foreign Affairs who would then take lead in following up with a protest note. We believe that and the diplomatic channels would now kick in and that’s the route that we will rely on from now on to confirm exactly what occurred. It wasn’t an aggressive encounter, um, despite that they were inside Belizean waters. There were no weapons drawn, and it was not a grounding.”

Marion Ali

“You said it was an exchange, what did they have to tell us?”

Rear Admiral Elton Bennett

“They reported that they were patrolling Guatemalan waters, and we informed them that this is Belizean waters and eventually they left.”

Coast Guard Commandant: GAF Were Last Here Two Years Ago

Rear Admiral Bennett mentioned that this was the second sighting of a Guatemalan naval vessel in the area in the past two years. However, our records indicate that in September of this year, Guatemalan Armed Forces (GAF) were found in Belizean waters. Reports emerged of Guatemalan naval vessels, including one named Quetzal, spotted off the coast of Barranco Village. Despite being shown GPS coordinates by B.D.F personnel proving they were in Belizean territory, the vessels reportedly refused to leave. Today, Bennett reiterated that the last time a Guatemalan vessel was in our waters was in November 2022. This ongoing issue highlights the tensions and challenges in maintaining our maritime boundaries.

Rear Admiral Elton Bennett, Commandant, Belize Coast Guard

“We’ve had sightings in that area. I think the, the last sighting would have been perhaps two years ago in the same area. And the same thing occurred. We informed them that they were inside Belizean waters and they eventually left. It’s not a usual occurrence that we would see the Guatemalan Navy patrolling in that area. I cannot explain why they would be patrolling inside our sea spaces.”

Coast Guard Training Trainers to Use Drones

Bennett shared that the Coast Guard Service is dedicating significant time to training its personnel on the proper use of their newly acquired drones. These government-provided devices are proving invaluable, allowing access to previously hard-to-reach areas. Alongside the new drones, Bennett mentioned that the Coast Guard has also upgraded its camera surveillance system, enhancing their overall operational capabilities.

Rear Admiral Elton Bennett, Commandant, Belize Coast Guard

“ We’re emphasizing a lot on training. We’ve had a team go up to Mexico City where they continue their training in an effort to build a doctrine for drone operations. And we also had a team that came down from the United States to train our operators as trainers. So we are not able to qualify members of our Belizean team in drone operations. So we’ve been emphasizing a lot on training over the past. I think we, we will launch more operations in a new year starting January. But what we have been doing is to focus more on capacity building.”

Reporter

“Are you blown away by what your drones are able to do?”

Rear Admiral Elton Bennett

“No, we studied those equipment well before we made a decision that this is the one that is most suitable for us. So we’re very happy with what we can do using those drones. And I think the other two drones are expected sometime in January and we’ve already upgrading our camera system.”

With Increased Surveillance is Increase in Wet Drop Seizures

Recently, Bennett noted a significant uptick in illegal maritime activity reported by their counterparts in Mexico. Over the past few months, Mexico has seized around four tons of cocaine. Meanwhile, Guatemala and Honduras have reported nearly double that amount. With the Coast Guard’s enhanced surveillance system, Belize is now better equipped to intercept these “wet drops” that might have previously slipped through the cracks.

Rear Admiral Elton Bennett, Commandant, Belize Coast Guard

“We know that there’s an increase in maritime activities. What we’re trying to do is to improve our surveillance, and that’s why we’ve acquired these drones, um, to support that. We’ve improved our maritime surveillance capability in other areas, using cameras and other, um, technologies, but also relying a lot on intelligence. It’s very difficult tracking these small boats coming from South America with drugs. It’s at least in the air, there’s an air radar system that can pick up these vessels, these aircraft. For us, it’s much more challenging, um, trying to pinpoint one of those, um, drug vessels on the surface.”

No Demarcations in Sea Spaces, but Equi-distancing

Bennett explained that whether it’s Guatemalan naval vessels, illegal fishers, or suspected drug traffickers navigating our southern waters, the Coast Guard takes swift action when they encounter them. He noted that, unlike land borders, there are no specific lines or buoys to mark our sea boundaries. However, there are methods to determine which side of the border you’re on when navigating the seas.

Rear Admiral Elton Bennett, Commandant, Belize Coast Guard

“We’ve never done that that demarcation exercise out at sea. Whilst we know where our land border is, the exercise has never taken place out at sea. And hopefully with the ICJ ruling, then we’ll be able to do that. So, for now, there are no buoys or markers to determine exactly where the official border lies. What we do is to go by equidistance. Say half a distance of sea space between Belize and Guatemala, and then that’s the border. That’s how we exercise our jurisdiction. Uh, we believe this is Belizean waters. They would say this is Guatemalan waters. Whenever we would encounter, uh, fishermen or fisher folk in that area, and it is within what we believe is Belize sea spaces, we would arrest, detain, and we will exercise jurisdiction over that. Unlike what you see happening on land where there’s an adjacency zone and there’s a organization of American States office that manages incidents in there to verify. location and action to be taken that does not exist in the sea spaces. So, the confidence building measures does not extend anywhere out at sea. So, it’s completely down to the two countries to try to, um, use diplomatic measures to try to mitigate, um, and try to manage these incidents.”

Caye Caulker Residents Object to Putting Fuel Depot Near in Their Area

Several residents and business owners in Caye Caulker are raising alarms over a proposed fuel depot in their neighborhood. The news that a company plans to build a fuel depot in a residential area has sparked significant concern. Today, Seleny Villanueva Pott, Chairperson of the Caye Caulker Village Council, told News Five that the company must meet a series of requirements before construction can begin. She emphasized that the process is transparent, and the company must present all necessary documentation and plans. On Monday, they submitted their dangerous goods license. Residents have voiced their worries about the project, which involves a petroleum station and bulk fuel storage facility in their community. Many have written letters expressing their concerns, highlighting the potential risks and impact on their neighborhood. Angie McLean wrote: “I own lot nine, five, six facing this proposed gas station. I am writing simply to ask what my legal rights are to protect my lifelong savings which I invested into building in Caye Caulker? I’ve been told I could be sued for my involvement for requesting assistance to protect my rights. In fact, the gas station property lines are extremely close to my four balconies and two front doors as the street is very narrow as our properties are very close to the tip of the split.”. Steve Hyams wrote: “I and my neighbours are in contact with each other regarding this and we are very concerned that there maybe 1000s of gallons of fuel stored and in use in what is primarily a residential area. None of us have been approached for our views on such a potentially hazardous project in the midst of our homes. Currently on Caye Caulker Northside we do not have any fire station nor fire tenders or trucks”. Today, Chairlady Villanueva-Pott explained that the company must go through the entire process.

On the Phone: Seleny Villanueva Pott, Chairperson, Caye Caulker

“What we’ve asked them to do is to gather no objection letters from the neighborhood, so what we will do is after this is make a holistic decision. So it’s not something that we’re rushing into.”

Marion Ali

”Okay, some of the neighbors or residents in the area have brought up the concern that having a fuel depot or station near their premises actually takes away their rights to insurance because of the hazard that it poses.”

Via Phone: Seleny Villanueva Pott

“ Well, that’s why they have to get a Dangerous Goods License and there’s some specifications in that. If they wanted, that might be something they might have to take up with Dangerous Goods too, not only with the Council, but we’re looking at it. A decision hasn’t been made. The company needed a “No-Objection” letter to present to Natural Resources and we have not given them as yet. It’s still an ongoing process. They are still gathering and sending us the information that we’ve requested.”

Metered Water System Revitalizes Guinea Grass

Guinea Grass has just celebrated the launch of a new water system, featuring over seven hundred and fifty water meters. This infrastructure project, a collaboration between the governments of Belize and Taiwan, promises to greatly enhance the quality of life for residents in rural Belize. Here’s News Five’s Isani Cayetano with the full story.

Isani Cayetano, Reporting

Guinea Grass Village, home to over three thousand residents and one of the oldest communities in the Orange Walk District, celebrated a significant milestone on Monday. A brand-new water system with over seven hundred meters was inaugurated, ensuring that every home in the village would now have access to clean, potable water. This development marks a major step forward for the community, bringing much-needed relief and an improved quality of life to its residents.

Jose Abelardo Mai, Area Representative, OW South

“Seven hundred and fifty new meters have been installed. This is good news, not that the meters were installed, but that the concept of meters were accepted is very important.”

Before the new water system was installed, there were some issues between the residents and the water board regarding water consumption. Benito Uck, the chairman of Guinea Grass Village, played a key role in addressing these concerns and ensuring the community’s needs were met.

Benito Uck, Chairman, Guinea Grass Village

“At the beginning when we heard that the implementation of the renovation of the water system and the metering of the water system in our village, SIF came and we had a meeting with the water board and the village council and we welcomed the project for the community of Guinea Grass. We were facing challenges in the community that such areas didn’t get any water for months, for years, and we were happy that, you know, this project was coming to our community.”

Representatives from the Social Investment Fund recently met with residents to discuss the upcoming changes. Initially, the community was a bit reluctant and disinterested, but over time, they came to understand the importance of metering water consumption. This shift in perspective is a positive step towards better water management in the village.

Carlos Tun, Executive Director, SIF

“As we inaugurate the Guinea Grass water system, we are not merely turning on taps, we are turning the page on a chapter of scarcity and struggle and beginning one of progress dignity and opportunity. Access to clean and safe water is not a privilege, it is a fundamental human right. It is the cornerstone of health, wellbeing and development. For too long, the residents of Guinea Grass faced critical water shortages and a limited supply that constrained daily life and hindered the community’s potential. This was a challenge that I am proud to say has been met with determination partnership and hope.”

According to Orange Walk South Area Representative Jose Abelardo Mai, this infrastructure project has been a major undertaking, with thousands of feet of distribution lines now installed throughout the village. This extensive network ensures that every home will benefit from the new water system.

Jose Abelardo Mai

“This project involves quite a significant investment, one point three million dollars funded by the Government of the Republic of China (Taiwan). It includes six thousand linear feet of four-inch main distribution lines, six thousand linear feet of three-inch main distribution lines with a total of about twenty-six thousand, five hundred linear feet of distribution lines in total has been installed. All these new pipes have been installed. The pumping capacity is now ninety gallons per minute from a seven and a half, three-phase pump.”

Taiwanese Ambassador Lily Li-Wen Hsu was present for the inauguration of the new water system. She praised the Ministry of Rural Development and the Social Investment Fund for their hard work and dedication in bringing this important project to fruition.

Lily Li-Wen Hsu, Taiwanese Ambassador

“This project coming to fruition just in time for the celebration of the festive season is really a timely and wonderful gift for the Christmas season. I’m really very happy. As a development partner of Belize, Taiwan is fully aware that infrastructure development plays a crucial role in the nation’s growth and wellbeing of its people. Taiwan is therefore honored and pleased to provide financial support and partner with the Government of Belize to make this impactful project a reality. I want to take this opportunity to express my appreciation to the Ministry of Rural Transformation… as well as the Belize Social Investment Fund for their great effort and dedication in successfully implementing this project.”

Isani Cayetano for News Five.

Tax-Free Weekend Attracts Thousands of Belizean Shoppers

The first of two GST-free shopping weekends this Christmas season wrapped up on Sunday, with thousands of shoppers flocking to stores across the country. Belizeans took advantage of the tax-free days on December fourteenth and fifteenth to buy groceries, electronics, and other household appliances. This shopping frenzy was made possible by a statutory instrument that came into effect on Friday, allowing approved goods to be sold at zero percent general sales tax. However, the weekend wasn’t without its hiccups. Several reports of noncompliance surfaced, with some store owners trying to dodge the waiver by backdating receipts or insisting that customers pay cash for their purchases. Earlier today, News Five caught up with Michelle Longsworth, Director General of the Belize Tax Services, to discuss these issues.

Michelle Longsworth, Director General, Belize Tax Services

“This past weekend, the fourteenth and the fifteenth, saw the first two days for that tax-free days. The tax-free days not only provided immediate financial relief for the public, but it also, it served as a critical tool for BTS, for us to identify areas like non-compliance where we needed to strengthen enforcement and also refine taxpayers’ knowledge. That is important for us. So, we look at this whole aspect of these tax-free days as a balancing relief to taxpayers with enhanced administration insight. So this initiative delivered benefits that extended beyond, I think beyond the primary goal of just tax relief to the final consumer but also supporting government’s broader objectives for fiscal responsibility and fairness. And I think that is important for us to stress. A number of noncompliance reports were made in certain stores and this was across the country, not only Belize City, and, as you rightly said, you had some refusing to honor the GST exemption on eligible goods. You had some who were selectively applying the GST exemption, and then I think there was some misinterpretation because I think taxpayers are not fully of what are zero-rated items and what are standard-rated items. So when they saw that receipt they were a bit confused as to what attracted the GST. So when they didn’t see the full 12.5% on the total sales, we had to be explaining to some of them that the receipt would either be reflecting items that said Z, which means zero-rated; G, which means GST, and you’d have to total just the GST items. But I will say that the real-time problem resolution that we assisted with was through our hotlines. So the minute we got reports, we dispatched our officers to these businesses and I will say that most of the businesses were receptive and complied after intervention, even though for some of the businesses we had to do repeated visits.”