Over the past few weeks the tourism sector and more specifically the tour operators have been in a raucous over a company Chukka – Bakka Bush and their place in the market.  It is important in accessing the current relationship of this firm with Carnival Caribbean cruise line and the ...

The sugar industry in Belize is one of the oldest industries that make a significant contribution to the economy, as one of the major export commodities.  This industry has been the major pillar of economic activity in the northern districts of Corozal and Orange Walk that engages over 5,000 farmers ...

Belize’s trade and investment policy over the years has been grounded in a legal framework that hinges on her participation in fostering regional integration within the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).  Since becoming a contracting part to the General Agreement on Trade and Tariffs (GATT) and subsequently the World Trade Organization (WTO), ...

Last week Government through the Statistical Institute of Belize released Gross Domestic Product (GDP) data for 1st quarter of 2010.  At mid-point in the year the public is only now being provided with this data, which seem rather coincidental in light of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) recent Article IV ...

On July 1, 2010 the International Monetary Fund (IMF) completed its annual Article IV consultations in Belize.  During their meetings in country they met with the Prime Minister, government officials, private sector and civil society representatives.  The IMF team conducted an assessment on Belize’s economic performance for 2009 and provides ...

Last week Belizeans were awakened for the opening of the hurricane season with tropical storm Alex rushing to her shores unexpectedly.  However, the response from the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) was noteworthy.  The voluntary evacuation by people in the cayes demonstrated a clear appreciation of the vulnerability that those ...

In last week’s edition of this column this writer assessed Government’s response to crime by way of its recent proposal Restore Belize and the accompanying cabinet changes.  It was noted that the labyrinth institutional structure that was proposed is an augmentation and duplication of some aspects of the existing Crime ...

Over the last two years the social fabric of the Belizean society has been severely challenged by the global financial and economic crisis that spawned from the industrialized nations and its lasting effects being felt in the developing world.  Fueled by dismal economic activity, crime and criminal activity have soured ...

In the first quarter of 2010 Government, in response to the clamor for reduction of interest rates in the banking sector, sought to intervene in the market by making amendments to several pieces of legislation, namely the Treasury Bill Act, Central Bank of Belize Act and the Bank and Financial ...

In late 2008 the People’s United Party government of that day sought to introduce the required legislative amendment to have Belize replace the Privy Council with the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) as her court of last appeal.  From early 2001 the former Prime Minster Honourable Said Musa signed the ...