The Government of Belize recently presented its case at the International Court of Justice regarding the responsibilities of states in tackling climate change. These hearings are a historic step towards global climate accountability, aiming to clarify what countries must do to reduce climate impacts and protect vulnerable populations. Doctor Kenrick Williams, C.E.O. in the Ministry of Sustainable Development and Climate Change, highlighted the severe threat climate change poses to Small Island Developing States like Belize. He emphasized that this Advisory Opinion is a crucial opportunity for the international community to define state obligations in addressing this global crisis. For Belize, the stakes are incredibly high. Doctor Williams pointed out the significant challenges Belize faces, such as rising sea levels, warming oceans, and more frequent and severe storms. He shared the example of Monkey River, a community suffering from severe coastal erosion and economic losses, to illustrate the broader climate crisis affecting SIDS worldwide.
Kenrick Williams
Dr. Kenrick Williams, C.E.O., Ministry of Sustainable Development
“Belize is uniquely vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, our nation is home to the second largest coral reef system in the world, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the largest tract of forest outside of the Amazon in Central America. These are not just natural treasures, they are lifelines for our biodiversity, economy and cultural heritage, yet they are under siege from rising sea levels, warming oceans, and increasingly severe storms. Hurricane Lisa, alone, in 2022, caused damages of nearly US one hundred million dollars, affecting nearly forty percent of our population. Let me take one example of the profound human and environmental toll of climate change on Belize and on Small Island Developing States, more generally. That is the case of Monkey River, once a thriving community engaged in fishing and ecotourism, it is now in crisis. Rising sea levels and intensifying storms, unmistakable markers of climate change, have stripped away its coastline with some areas losing up to two meters annually. This underscores the urgent need for clarity on states’ obligations under international law to protect vulnerable nations.”
Despite these challenges, Belize has shown resilience by protecting over forty percent of its territory, shifting to renewable energy, and creating innovative financing mechanisms like the Blue Bonds for marine conservation. The I.C.J. is now considering important questions about state duties to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, prevent environmental harm, and support adaptation measures. Belize has urged the court to provide clear guidance to enhance accountability and international cooperation under frameworks like the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement.
It’s December, and you know what that means—Christmas songs are on repeat, and everyone’s thinking about what they need to buy for the season. For many, this time of year can be financially stressful with all the food, shopping, wish lists, and getting the house ready. It’s also a time when people often spend more than they can afford to enjoy the holiday. While keeping up with Christmas traditions is important for many families, is it possible to celebrate without breaking the bank? News Five’s Paul Lopez dives into this question in this week’s installment of Five Point Break Down.
Paul Lopez, Reporting
Christmas is just around the corner, and the holiday expenses are piling up. Belizeans everywhere are getting ready by buying marly to lay down, eyeing that turkey and ham, shopping for new curtains, and checking off items on the family wish list. But with the cost of goods steadily rising, are shoppers sticking to a budget? We asked them to find out.
Paul Lopez
“You budget for the Christmas or you take it as it comes?”
Gardenia Seguro
Gardenia Seguro, Burrell Boom Resident
“Sometimes I budget for the Christmas and then I take it as it comes, because we are a family of nine.”
Paul Lopez
“What dah the most important thing for you on that budget for Christmas?”
Gardenia Seguro
“That the kids deh get deh food, if I could afford it I get them a gift. But deh food and deh cake. The turkey, the ham and the cake.”
Amparo Acosta
Amparo Acosta, Pomona Village Resident
“I budget, I budget, I start budget from in a June. You know like how deh always say, June to November, June to November, that is when I start my Christmas preparations.”
Paul Lopez
“Why is it important for you to budget.”
Amparo Acosta
“Well, I am a person that loves Christmas, I go all out for Christmas, so I make my preparations from then.”
Rosita Glenn
Rosita Glenn, Belize City Resident
“I take it as it comes.”
Paul Lopez
“So what are the essentials you must have for Christmas?”
Rosita Glenn
“Mih turkey and mih ham, mih black cake and mih Lemondade, old fashion style.”
We spoke with several shoppers, and their responses varied. Some said they budget for themselves but spare no expense for their children. Others believe that food is the most important purchase during Christmas, with everything else being secondary. However, inflation is a concern. According to the latest report from the Statistical Institute of Belize, a pound of Irish potatoes costs more now than it did in November, and that’s a key ingredient for the beloved potato salad. While there’s no data on the current cost of a whole turkey, the good news is that the price of whole chicken has slightly decreased. On the other hand, ham can cost over three hundred dollars in extreme cases. And let’s not forget about budgeting for gadgets for the kids, new curtains, lights for the house, and the endless list of holiday expenses.
Budgeting for the Christmas
We sat down with Sherlet Neal, the Managing Director at the Belize Institute for Service Excellence, Leadership and Research, for some advice on how Belizeans can make their dollars stretch further this Christmas. One of the courses that Neal’s organization offers is on budgeting.
Sherlet Neal
Sherlet Neal, Managing Director, B.I.S.E.L.R
“I think what has worked for me and from our perspective as an organization is that Christmas is a short time. Bills last all year long, so while Christmas will come and go and it is a time for celebration, the bills don’t always go away. So what I usually advise people to do is pay your bills first. A lot of people defer their December bills so that they have more money in their pockets for Christmas. But come January, the bills are still there.”
Paying your December bills might seem like a no-brainer for some people, but for those worried about the fact that only a small amount will be left over, what do you do?
Sherlet Neal
“The first thing you want to do, my advice and what really works for me is invest in groceries, make sure you have food. I find that the real joy in Christmas is when family could get together sit down and eat and food available. Forget everything else, maybe a lee thing on the side if you are into drinking. But the real joy at Christmas after all the titivating up is people coming together. So, spend money on the food. Expect it will be a little more than your normal budget for food, because of the little ham and turkey and the merriment on the side, but buy your lee groceries. If you have a good family network, do a little putlock so it is not all on you the person hosting everybody.”
Neal also suggested steering clear of Christmas loans, opting for gifts with sentimental value rather than expensive ones, and repurposing or reusing items around the house like curtains and couch covers.
Businesses For the Budget Conscious
With more access to technology, many kids now see tech and gadgets as must-haves on their wish lists. Meanwhile, some shoppers are determined to get those new curtains. We visited two downtown stores to see if businesses are catering to budget-conscious shoppers.
Kayle Hernandez
Kayle Hernandez, Supervisor, Carry On Electronics
“Our air pods usually range from thirty-five dollars up. We also have some Galaxy Fit three and other accessories we will be getting, we often have a lot of accessories, budget friendly as you mentioned. Here we try to have quality as well as prices as well as December. We try to cater for all levels. If you want something cheaper, we try to have something that meets the same quality, or close to the same quality of the original ones or something close to what you want.”
Teresita Garbutt
Teresita Garbutt, Public Relations, Mikado
“Well they have curtains, they buy fabrics, rugs, comforters.”
Paul Lopez
“How durable is this material that you are making this curtain with? Is it something I can make a curtain, put it up this year and have it for next year again?”
Teresita Garbutt
“Yes, you can have it for this year and the next year after that.”
Paul Lopez
“What would you say comes out cheaper. Buying a curtain already made or making it yourself?”
Teresita Garbutt
“Well, it depends on your liking, because we have different people who still buy material to make their curtains and stuff that we have available.”
Starting the New Year Financially Sound
It’s interesting to note that today’s budgeting advice came from someone who hasn’t always been careful with money. As her son, I saw firsthand how we often spent more than necessary on things that were just for the season.
Paul Lopez
“When did you realize that all of that was counterproductive?”
Sherlet Neal
“For me, back then I was not concerned about saving, I was concerned about living for the now. We have a saying, January catches you broke, New Years catch you broke, you are going to be broke for the rest of the year. We used to say it and laugh, because most people first of January broke. We say, he, he, everybody broke. That is not a lie when you think about that saying, when January catch you broke, it is a huge indication that you will be indeed broke for the rest of the year, you are setting the tone.”
Today’s customers want fast, smooth, and personalized experiences. Digital transformation helps banks meet these expectations by offering 24/7 services through mobile apps and online platforms. Automating routine tasks like data entry and transaction processing reduces costs, minimizes errors, and boosts efficiency. With more digital transactions, the risk of cyberattacks has grown, but digital tools like AI-driven fraud detection and blockchain provide strong security to protect customer data. Digital transformation makes banks more agile, customer-focused, and data-driven, helping them keep up with the fast-changing financial world. Here’s News Five’s Isani Cayetano with a story on Belize Bank’s rebranding and digital transformation.
Isani Cayetano, Reporting
A digital-first approach to banking means prioritizing online and mobile services over traditional in-person banking. It’s a bold direction that the Belize Bank is taking under the leadership of Executive Chairman Filipo Alario. The transition makes banking more accessible, efficient, and user-friendly by leveraging technology.
Filipo Alario
Filipo Alario, Executive Chairman, Belize Bank
“Right now, your bank should be on your phone. Your bank should be in your pocket, in the palm of your hands, everywhere you go 24/7. That’s what we want to do. We have started our digital transformation with a commitment of making banking seamless and secure. Now let’s not forget about security. While some might find online banking intimidating, we are also investing a lot of money to ensure that your trust is well placed. Multifactor authentication, encrypted options and state-of-the-art cyber security are behind everything that we do.”
Banks use the latest technology to offer new features like budgeting tools, personalized financial advice, and enhanced security measures to protect the customer’s information. Transactions are also faster. You don’t have to wait in line at a bank branch; you can complete tasks with just a few clicks.
Agatha Ruta
Agatha Ruta, COO, Belize Bank
“Over the past few years, we have witnessed an unprecedented transformation in the way financial services are delivered, and this transformation is not only enhancing the convenience of banking but also driving significant socioeconomic progress in the region. At the heart of this transformation is a drive to achieve greater financial inclusion. In Central America, many people, particularly those in underserved areas, have traditionally faced barriers in accessing financial services. These barriers include limited physical presence of branches.”
With decades of service, innovation, and trust behind it, Belize Bank’s new brand identity showcases its transformation into a modern, forward-thinking financial institution. The refreshed look symbolizes progress, technological advancement, and a continued commitment to helping clients achieve their financial goals—all while staying true to the Belizean values that have always guided its journey.
Filipo Alario
“Today, I stand before you to unveil something small but it is monumental, in our view, in terms of significance, a new brand identity. That’s right. Today we are celebrating the launch of a tiny yet mighty digital symbol that embodies who we are, where we are and where we want to go.”
This transformation highlights the bank’s mission to provide innovative financial solutions while maintaining the trust and relationships it has built over the years. The unveiling was broadcast simultaneously across all branch locations, allowing clients and stakeholders nationwide to join in this special moment.
Filipo Alario
“This new symbol is more than a design, it’s a beacon of who we are, where we’ve been and where we’re heading. It’s a reflection of our roots, our purpose, and our vision for the future. Now let’s talk about our roots, we all know Belize Bank is the oldest bank in Belize. We’ve been around since 1902 and we are the second oldest bank in Central America. We’ve been continuously. This institution has been continuously open since 1902.”
Here’s some exciting news for the Toledo District. This morning, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade launched two transformative projects aimed at empowering vulnerable rural communities in southern Belize by improving access to renewable energy and enhancing water, sanitation, and hygiene. News Five’s Britney Gordon was at the launch to get all the details on how these projects will benefit underserved communities in Belize.
Britney Gordon, Reporting
More than half of Toledo’s population faces multidimensional poverty, meaning they lack in areas like health, education, employment, and living standards, according to the Statistical Institute of Belize. While these numbers have improved recently, there’s still a lot of work to be done in the district’s most underserved communities. That’s why the Government of Belize has launched two transformative projects to help those in need. Valentino Shal, CEO of the Ministry of Rural Transformation, shares more about these initiatives.
Valentino Shal
Valentino Shal, CEO, Ministry of Rural Transformation
“Today we launched two very important projects with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and of course the Ministry of Energy and the UNDP and UNICEF. These projects are targeted at improving the quality of life of rural residents in the Toledo District. And it has to do with water and sanitation and electrification. Not just electrification, but electrification using renewable energy, which in this case is solar. We’re going to target at least up to six villages with these two projects. Three are targeted for rural electrification. These are Otoxha, Mabil Ha, and Nalumka.”
The two projects will start by improving water and sanitation facilities in three villages, with plans to expand to more areas later. The first project is funded with one million US dollars from the India, Brazil, and South Africa Fund, while the second project, the Joint Sustainable Development Goals Fund, is valued at two hundred and fifty thousand US dollars.
Valentino Shal
“The IBSA, India, Brazil, South Africa. This is a fund established by these three countries to further South cooperation. So these are all developing countries but they have pooled together their resources to create this fund and so other countries like Belize can apply and access these funds to invest in, in development of local communities.”
The project is supported by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), which has been working to drive Belize’s development for decades. UNDP Resident Representative, Michael Lund, tells us what areas of development the organization is targeting in Belize.
Michael Lund
Michael Lund, Deputy Resident Representative, UNDP
“We have two main portfolios in the country as it is now. We have our nature, climate and environment. A lot of that is what these two projects falls under. So there’s both. rule development aspects, but we also work on the more upstream, on the policy elements, on climate finance, what was mentioned, the integrated national financing framework is focusing on climate, so also the upstream policy elements. We have the other portfolio that we have is inclusive growth governance and there, for example, we have a project with the judiciary that’s called PACE, a project with EU funding. That is supporting the digital sector. Of course, e-mobility is also a project that UNDP is implementing. Those are the two main areas that UNDP is focused on at the moment to help Belize.”
Providing access to services in these communities is the first step to reducing the amount of people living in multidimensional poverty. And as Shal describes it, the work never ends.
Valentino Shal
“The way to reduce poverty is to be targeted. And so from the statistics that we have and the data that we have, it’s very obvious that rural Toledo continues to represent a high rate of, present a high rate of poverty. And in this case, multidimensional poverty, which includes health, education, employment and access to basic services. And so we have been working at addressing this through interventions and working directly with the communities.”
A fire in Belize City has destroyed a home, leaving nothing behind. Steve Myles, who had lived there with his wife for over twenty years, was preparing to celebrate their twenty-fifth anniversary. Now, those plans are on hold as the family worries about how to rebuild their lives. Thankfully, no one was hurt, but Myles, his wife, and their grandson are left with only the clothes on their backs. News Five’s Paul Lopez has more on this story.
Paul Lopez, Reporting
Steve Myles, a retired public officer, was looking forward to celebrating twenty-five years of marriage with his wife in just a couple of weeks. They had just started stocking up on food and drinks for the big anniversary party when the disaster hit. A fire broke out and destroyed their home, leaving nothing behind.
Steve Myles
Steve Myles, Fire Victim
“This morning, where I do work and retired the same health came to fog out my house. They fogged it out and around the house it looked like fire from out of the machine the fire came out. But we did not know it touched something from underneath the house. I might have locked up my house and they gone and we gone. Like half an hour or so after they call me and tell me that my house burn. I tell deh no, my house nuh the burn dah just fog they fog it out for mosquito and different things nuh, because you know with dengue and thing nuh.”
But it was not fog. It was an actual fire. And, as you heard Myles mention, the fire could have been started by the machine that was used to fog the building.
Steve Myles
“Apparently ih look like the first fire truck that was here ran out of water. So the thing start again and ih just gone and catch the back part. When I retired I added a piece to my house, split level and so that start to catch everywhere. I didn’t save anything, not even clothes, only this weh I got on. I just want seh this dah just one of those things. We have to have ups and downs in life. We didn’t save anything, if anybody could help me with anything, with clothes or food or donation money to get back on my foot, because maybe this Christmas I wont get to see the Christmas. But I am not worrying about that, because there is lot more Christmas.”
Steve White was relaxing in his yard when he heard about the fire. Without hesitation, he jumped into action to help the authorities extinguish the blaze that had taken over his neighbor’s house. Interestingly, White had also helped recover King Shakel Wade’s body back in October after the child tragically drowned in a canal in Belize City.
Steve White
Steve White, Belize City Resident
“I the eena my yard the drop asleep and deh tell me a house the burn down and that a man the een deh. So, I jump on my bike, out of my sleep and I come round yah and assist the firemen deh with the hose, because fire mih the get high and I don’t want anyone to get hurt, because dah my community and once I could come out, I will come out. I meet the firemen the haul in the hose and the out the fire and I just gone assist and just fih assist. That is all I the try do, assist.”
The home was where Myles, his wife, and their grandson lived. As his wife wept over losing their home of twenty-two years, her grandson hugged her on the side of the street. Authorities are still investigating the cause of the fire. Tonight, the family is in urgent need of help to find a new place to live.
Steve Myles
“Yo could reach me at six, one, five, six, zero, zero, eight. My wife is six two, six, zero, six, four, five. Everything was destroyed. I mih just get a refridge. It is not even ayear yet. My wife get a chair. We get new tank. Ih still deh in the drain right there. I just full my tank to, so all the gas have to come out. Nothing save. Only thing save that I was glad for is that the two dogs dah back never get hurt. This Christmas I would have had my twenty-five-year anniversary with my wife. We deh together thirty-eight years. All the drinks and thing in the house just burn down. We couldn’t save nothing. Nothing at all, not even bed, nothing.”
For the last fifteen years, Bowen and Bowen’s Jingle Box program has brought joy to hundreds of families in Belize. This year, two hundred and fifty families will receive boxes filled with rice, canned goods, and gift certificates for meats like ham, chicken, and turkey. To make sure these boxes reach those who need them most, Bowen and Bowen works with local non-profits to find and help the recipients. Here’s News Five’s Britney Gordon with more on this heartwarming story.
Britney Gordon, Reporting
A holiday just isn’t the same without a big, delicious meal, but not every family can afford one. That’s why, for the past fifteen years, the team at Bowen and Bowen Limited has been on a mission to bring joy to hundreds of families with their annual Jingle Box donations.
“Our jingle boxes are funded largely from contributions from our employees. We also, the company matches what employees contribute. And then we have been very lucky over the past couple of years to get extra funds from the Coca-Cola company. So that has allowed us to increase the number of boxes to two hundred and fifty. And we’ve also been able to increase the value of the items in the boxes. So we’re very happy because we know that these boxes are much needed across the country. And along with our partner NGOs, they’re going to go to families who really need it. So we’re very happy about that.”
The Jingle Box is all about giving families the groceries they need to make a Christmas meal. Each box includes essentials like rice, beans, mayonnaise, and gift certificates for Quality Poultry products. And of course, Bowen and Bowen’s drinks and snacks are a must-have! These boxes are handed out by partner NGOs, who figure out which families need them the most. Monica Heredia from the Belize Red Cross Society shared where this year’s boxes will go.
Monica Heredia, Belize Red Cross Society
“So this year, with the fifteen boxes that we are receiving, we are going to support the families that were affected by flooding. As you know, the villages in the Coyote District and some parts of the Belize River Valley, they were affected by the recent flooding. And so our Volunteers and staff are currently out in the Belize River Valley area doing assessments and through those assessments we will identify the 15 most in need to support them with these boxes.”
The boxes were funded by Bowen and Bowen, Coca-Cola, and the Bowen and Bowen staff. This year, the employees made their biggest donation yet. Yareli Pariente from the Society of St. Vincent de Paul says these boxes are a huge help in their mission to support those in need.
Yareli Pariente, Society of St. Vincent de Paul
“Society of St. Vincent de Paul is an organization, which is a nonprofit. Basically we join the world in a social network of charity to help those in our parish community that are struggling, maybe the shut-ins, those with disabilities. These jingle boxes will help us to carry out that mission a little more.”
Several organizations, including the Belmopan branch of the Belize Cancer Society, are still conducting assessments for the recipients of the boxes but are eager to make the season brighter for families who need it the most.
Sonia Burn, Belize Cancer Society, Belmopan Branch
“We are more than happy to receive these boxes to help the real needy. And at the moment, presently, with the help of the members, we’re gathering the names of the people who really need and in Belmopan, we did have a little flooding too, to the people at the Maya Mopan area, the Silver Pan, the J&W establishments. Presently, we are gathering the names to send out the jingle boxes to the people that really need it.”
Bowen and Bowen hopes that by next year, they will be able to increase the number of Jingle Boxes for the benefit of more Belizeans. Britney Gordon for News Five.
Belize is still free from the New World Screwworm, but for how long? Minister of Agriculture Jose Abelardo Mai has been holding weekly meetings with his technical teams to stay updated on the rising cases of New World Screwworms in the region. Today, one of these meetings took place in Yo Creek Village. After the meeting, we caught up with Minister Mai and BAHA’s Managing Director, Zoe Robinson-Zetina, for the latest update. In short, new cases are popping up in neighboring countries, and experts think it’s only a matter of time before Belize sees its first case. Meanwhile, strict surveillance measures are being put in place. News Five’s Paul Lopez has the story.
Paul Lopez, Reporting
A single case of the New World Screwworm in Mexico recently prompted the United States to ban cattle imports. Now, cases are cropping up in larger numbers in neighboring Honduras and Guatemala. During a technical meeting in Orange Walk, BAHA’s Managing Director, Zoe Robinson-Zetina, discussed the issue with Minister of Agriculture Jose Abelardo Mai.
Zoe Robinson-Zetina
Zoe Robinson-Zetina, Managing Director, BAHA
“First I want to confirm that we do not have screwworms in Belize and we are going through active surveillance to ensure we know the health status of our country. In our surrounding countries, we pay special attention to Guatemala, because they are the closest to us. And we know that Guatemala right now is reporting twenty-six cases and the closest case to us is in the far western area of Peten. And in that region they have only on reported case. The next closest to us is Honduras and Honduras is reporting just over seventy cases. And we believe that Honduras has been maintain or controlling the spread in that country.”
When the New World Screwworm burrows into an animal’s flesh, it can cause serious, often fatal damage. Studies show that the rise in reported cases is largely due to the illegal movement of cattle. Interestingly, Belize doesn’t import animals, which adds a unique twist to the situation.
Jose Abelardo Mai
Jose Abelardo Mai, Minister of Agriculture
“There are about five important thing that you do to keep screw worm out or suppressed. The first one is education and awareness. Are we doing it? Yes. Are we doing it to the right people? Yes. Those that live on the periphery and the borders to the country of Guatemala. The second one is control point. Do not move animals form infected areas or do not move animals if you suspect it is. The third is treat wounds. Are we treating the wounds, yes. We are telling the farmers now you cannot have animals wounded on the farm then treat it. If there are no wounds then the fly cannot bear eggs. If the cannot bear an egg it dies. The fourth one is report all cases fast. And the last is the dispersal of sterile flies.”
The New World Screwworm poses the greatest threat to the local cattle industry, which is now valued at one hundred million dollars, according to Minister Mai. The risk of Mexico and Guatemala banning the import of Belize’s cattle is real. Minister Mai recently returned from a working trip to Mexico.
Jose Abelardo Mai
“As a matter of fact the Mexicans have been stopped from exporting cattle to the U.S. this is a serious matter. The U.S.D.A has banned Mexico from exporting cattle into the U.S.A for one screw worm in southern part of Mexico. So this is how serious they look at their cattle industry and the Mexican associations that represent eight hundred thousand cattle farmers wrote to their ministry of agriculture asking him to ban us and I said to them, we are the only country that has a program in place. The ministry of agriculture is a screwworm veteran. He knows what it is. So we quickly moved, as a matter of fact, the resources that government has put towards screwworm control right now is more than we get from the region. This is how serious the government is looking at this.”
Regarding the measures BAHA has put in place along the border, Managing Director Zetina mentioned that they’ve ramped up surveillance at both official and unofficial border points.
Zoe Robinson-Zetina
“We are doing active surveillance, and we are stremghtening our border points, both official and unofficial. We know it is no secret that we have agriculture goods going through Jalacte and Bullet Tree. What is good for Belize is that we are not importing animals in Belize. It is exportation that we do. But we are strnething those two check points for BAHA. We are manning them twenty-four hours to ensure there are no animals coming into this country. And also, for any vehicles that are passing through those points. To ensure that they are free and clear of any material that can transport the pest.”
Paul Lopez
“Can BAHA monitor pastures that have been cleared illegally by Guatemalans that have incurred on Belizean lands?”
Zoe Robinson-Zetina
“As long as that property is on Belizean terrorist then BAHA has jurisdiction to do surveillance and we are doing that at this time.”
The Ministry of Agriculture has already drafted an S.I. to quarantine a particular area in Belize wherever the New World Screwworm is detected. And, the experts believe that it is only a matter of time before Belize reports its first case.
Jose Abelardo Mai
“The worst case scenario is we have a case in Toledo. Plan, block off Toledo, control points in place which we have already, we have the S.I. ready, we have everything ready, block of Toledo, put the control in place. Twenty-four hours and work that area backwards to the border. Pump the area, saturate the area with sterile flies.”
Paul Lopez
“What is your response to the notion that it is an inevitable.”
Zoe Robinson-Zetina
“It is more than likely true. It is spreading so rapidly in Central America that we believe yes ti will be introduced in Belize. Like I said, it is people who are moving it. But people can move it through cattle, but they can also be brining their pet, dogs, pet cats, but it can come on people themselves as well.”
The cost of living in Belize has been steadily rising, even as it declines in other parts of the world. While the COVID pandemic initially drove up prices on supermarket shelves, those prices have been dropping globally—just not as quickly in Belize. Today, Deputy Prime Minister Cordel Hyde clarified that the government isn’t to blame, as they haven’t raised a single tax on grocery items. He pointed the finger at the merchants instead. We asked him about the government’s efforts to discourage merchants from hiking up their prices.
Cordel Hyde
Cordel Hyde, Deputy Prime Minister
“There’s a time of the year when they collect a lot of money, and there’s a time of the year when they don’t. And then usually, they have problems meeting their bills in the times when they don’t, but if you’ve had the contract for as long as you’ve had the contract and there’s no other business in town., there’s no other game in town. Then you have to be able to sit down and reason and work through these things. Like, you shouldn’t get here. And then, I mean, the city’s dirty as it is. Even with the garbage being picked up on a regular basis. So, something’s gonna have to give. So, I think central government is going to have to sit with local government and find out exactly what is the situation and see what we can do from here.”
Reporter
“Will you advocate or suggest a garbage tax?”
Cordel Hyde
“We’re not there. We’ve not been there for the last six years. I don’t see why we would have to go there now. We just have to figure out how to pay our bills and make sure that we’re consistent with that. I mean, they’ve been doing it for the last six years. I see no reason why they shouldn’t, why they can’t continue to do that. So, I am not advocating for the garbage tax at all.”
Today, the Belize City Civic Center buzzed with excitement as owners and managers of micro, small, and medium enterprises gathered for BELTRAIDE’s seventh entrepreneurship convention. This event marked the grand finale of a year-long celebration of entrepreneurship month. Dubbed EntreCon 2024, the convention focused on the theme “Powering Small Businesses with Big Data and Artificial Intelligence.” News Five’s Marion Ali filed this report.
Marion Ali, Reporting
Today, BELTRAIDE wrapped up a year full of activities for micro, small, and medium enterprises. It all kicked off with a countrywide roadshow that connected small business owners with the formal sector, banks, and the advantages of using artificial intelligence (AI). BELTRAIDE’s Executive Director, Ishmael Quiroz, explained that the convention aimed to bring together everyone involved in micro, small, and medium businesses, along with public and private agencies that support business development.
Ishmael Quiroz
Ishmael Quiroz, Executive Director, BELTRAIDE
“The idea is to come together and share information, provide knowledge and a networking opportunity and have a space to reflect on a specific topic relevant to small business development. BELTRAIDE can always be contacted at www.BELTRAIDE.bz and we have continuous training support services on offer and please feel free to contact, become a client of the Small Business Development Centre and access the services that are available.”
Wilana Oldham, the owner of Hot Mama’s Belize, spoke at EntreCon today. She shared how her company has expanded over the years, adding more hot sauces and condiments to their lineup, all with the support and guidance of BELTRAIDE.
Wilana Oldham
Wilana Oldham, Owner, Hot Mama’s Belize
“Over the years they have really helped me in so many different ways – going to trade shows, taking my product to trade shows, getting training, just opening up a lot of avenues for me, so I totally recommend any entrepreneur out there that’s considering, they must get involved with BELTRAIDE because they do bring a lot to the table.”
One of the hottest tools in concept and design development right now is artificial intelligence. Deputy Prime Minister Cordel Hyde stepped in for Prime Minister John Briceno at today’s event. Hyde highlighted that AI can significantly boost small businesses, and the government is all in on promoting its use for this purpose.
Cordel Hyde
Cordel Hyde, Deputy Prime Minister
“There’s so many things the government is doing where AI and big data is concerned for small businesses, and to give these businesses an opportunity to succeed, like, you can’t be left behind, you have to participate, you have to get with the program, so we have to embrace it, we have to navigate it, but we have to try to manage it too, because it can go wrong in a lot of ways, but it can do so many good.”
Individuals who want to start their own small business can contact BELTRAIDE for technical advice and guidance at www.BELTRAIDE.bz. Marion Ali for News Five.
The Belize City Council has faced this issue many times before, struggling to pay its garbage collection fees. It seems the problem has resurfaced, and the central government might need to step in. Today, Deputy Prime Minister Cordel Hyde explained that City Hall experiences peak and slow seasons for collections, and as it enters a slow season, it is having trouble meeting its commitments. However, he does not support introducing a garbage tax on residents to cover the shortfall.
Cordel Hyde, Deputy Prime Minister
“There’s a time of the year when they collect a lot of money, and there’s a time of the year when they don’t. And then usually, they have problems meeting their bills in the times when they don’t, but if you’ve had the contract for as long as you’ve had the contract and there’s no other business in town., there’s no other game in town. Then you have to be able to sit down and reason and work through these things. Like, you shouldn’t get here. And then, I mean, the city’s dirty as it is. Even with the garbage being picked up on a regular basis. So, something’s gonna have to give. So, I think central government is going to have to sit with local government and find out exactly what is the situation and see what we can do from here.”
Reporter
“Will you advocate or suggest a garbage tax?”
Cordel Hyde
“We’re not there. We’ve not been there for the last six years. I don’t see why we would have to go there now. We just have to figure out how to pay our bills and make sure that we’re consistent with that. I mean, they’ve been doing it for the last six years. I see no reason why they shouldn’t, why they can’t continue to do that. So, I am not advocating for the garbage tax at all.”
