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Belize's trade deficit is huge but is not the whole story
Belize is importing far more goods than it exports. But Central Bank data show that the country's powerful services surplus, driven heavily by tourism, offsets most of its merchandise deficit. Belize's merchandise trade numbers are moving in the wrong direction. During the first eight months of 2026, the country imported BZ$2.207 billion in goods, up 15.8% from BZ$1.906 billion during the same period last year. At the same time, domestic merchandise exports fell 14% to BZ$272
13 minutes ago
Churches Vow to Fight Against Abortion Laws
The churches have taken a hardball position on the recently revived discussion surrounding the legalization and liberalization of abortion laws in Belize, following a recent push by the Belize Family Life Association. Church Senator Luis Wade has gone on record to say that the churches will oppose any such move, since the current legislation in place is adequate as it stands. Wade said the churches will be keeping a watchful eye on any developments and suggested that the coun
16 minutes ago
PSU Objects to Troy Gabb as Acting PSU Chair
The Public Service Union has objected to Troy Gabb’s appointment as acting chair of the Public Services Commission, questioning whether his public political commentary is compatible with the independence expected of the body. The objection comes more than two months after Governor General Dame Froyla Tzalam appointed Gabb to act as chairperson of the Commission, effective July 20, 2026, while substantive Chairperson Diana Price-Murillo is on leave. According to the July 23 Ga
19 minutes ago
Economy
BCCI warns price controls could discourage investment
Current price-control regulations could discourage investment, reduce product availability and place smaller importers at a competitive disadvantage, the Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) has warned. The BCCI, the country's leading private-sector advocacy organization, is calling on the Government of Belize to reverse the expanded price-control measures introduced in 2023, arguing that the framework—implemented during a period of exceptional global inflation and
Local Boot Maker: Defence Ministry procurement debate is also about industrial policy
The investigation into procurement at Belize's Ministry of Defence has largely focused on whether taxpayers paid too much for imported military boots. Jaime Marin, proprietor of the local manufacturer Umbraland, argues that the larger question is whether the Government is failing to use its own purchasing power to develop domestic industry. Mr. Marin points to Section 19 of the Fiscal Incentives Act, 2023, which provides that 20% of all government stores purchased and contrac
BPF Pushes 'Buy Belize First' Policy to Boost Local Economy
Belize People's Front Leader Nancy Marin is calling for a "Buy Belize First" procurement policy, arguing that government spending should prioritize Belizean-made goods to strengthen local businesses and reduce the country's dependence on imports. Marin unveiled the proposal as part of a broader economic policy statement in which she argued that government procurement should become a tool for building domestic industries rather than supporting overseas producers where local al
Politics
Revenue Authority Bill: How well do the unions’ claims hold up?
As BTSD workers walk out and unions warn of lost jobs, pensions and accountability, a close reading of the Revenue Authority Bill produces a corroboration score of 75 out of 100—indicating high corroboration overall. Their strongest case lies in the concentration of power, not in claims that the legislation wipes out existing employment and pension rights. As readers may already know, on Wednesday, August 26, employees of the Belize Tax Service Department (BTSD) walked off th
BPF Pushes 'Buy Belize First' Policy to Boost Local Economy
Belize People's Front Leader Nancy Marin is calling for a "Buy Belize First" procurement policy, arguing that government spending should prioritize Belizean-made goods to strengthen local businesses and reduce the country's dependence on imports. Marin unveiled the proposal as part of a broader economic policy statement in which she argued that government procurement should become a tool for building domestic industries rather than supporting overseas producers where local al
BCCI to GOB: Why Wait? Strengthen Controls Now
The Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) is urging the Government to immediately strengthen financial controls over public procurement, arguing that many reforms can be implemented now without waiting for ongoing investigations or a broader review of procurement laws. In a June 29 letter to Prime Minister John Briceño, BCCI President Giacomo Sanchez said the recent procurement and payment-processing irregularities should serve as an opportunity to strengthen the sys
General
Five Belizean students turn sargassum crisis into agricultural opportunity, win STEAM award
By Ingrid Ferlo A summer camp that five Orange Walk high-school students almost skipped has produced an award-winning idea aimed at turning one of Belize’s most persistent coastal problems into a resource for agriculture. The students developed a concept to collect and process sargassum into agricultural fertilizer, earning their team the “Best Use of STEAM” award at a national festival held in San Ignacio, Cayo, on July 18, 2026. The five Bishop Martin High School students —
Global Institutions: Crisis Easing; Not Yet Over
The world's principal institutions overseeing energy, finance, development and trade say the immediate shock from the Middle East war is easing, but warned that the global economy remains vulnerable and governments should remain prepared for further disruption. In a rare joint statement issued after a high-level coordination meeting on July 7, the heads of the International Energy Agency (IEA), International Monetary Fund (IMF), World Bank Group and World Trade Organization s
'You Can't Boss Us Around': EBC Cites Constitution to Resist FOIA Request
The Elections and Boundaries Commission says Belize's Freedom of Information Act cannot compel it to release redistricting records, arguing the Constitution places the Commission beyond the direction or control of outside authorities. In a response to public interest litigant Jeremy Enriquez, the Elections and Boundaries Commission (EBC) rejected an expansive Freedom of Information request seeking records relating to Belize's long-delayed electoral redistricting exercise. The
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