David Almendarez has expressed his commitment to creating opportunities for everyone to advance in life. He stated that if elected in Belize Rural Central and if the UDP, under the leadership of Moses “Shyne” Barrow, forms the next government, he will push for adherence to the UN Convention against Corruption. Almendarez, who launched his campaign a week ago, told News Five that while he does not identify as a UDP, he believes running under the party’s banner offers him the best chance of success.
Almendarez said, “When the majority of us are suffering, that is what brought me into the political arena. I saw the Alliance when they did their move. And when I watched it, I dropped on my knees and I prayed to my God. And I said, everything I see in the Alliance, the whole UDP at that point in time, I have never met Shyne. I don’t know Shyne. I don’t have Shyne’s phone number.”
Almendarez says he later got in contact with Barrow.
Almendarez continued, “I told Shyne, ‘I don’t know you, but I want to tell you something about me. If you’re serious about change, if you just want another little Hulu award, if you don’t need one little crumb on your thing to see you going back to the States like King Jaffe, come holler at me, because I want to join the fight. But if you’re just there for being a politician and being fake, if you don’t know how to clean the house, actually, I told Shyne, go win your court case.”
Almendarez wants to be the candidate for the U.D.P. for Belize Rural Central.
At a conference today in Belize City, Governor of the Central Bank of Belize Kareem Michael highlighted Belize’s strong economic recovery post-pandemic. “The Belizean economy has proven itself to be resilient. We have weathered the covid pandemic, the oil price shock coming out of the Russia-Ukraine war, and the weather shocks from Hurricane Lisa in 2022, and other adverse climate-related events. Today we can confidently say that since the onset of the pandemic and these additional external shocks, our economy has fully recovered.”
Michael noted that real GDP per person in 2023 surpassed pre-pandemic levels, reaching higher than what it would have been without these disruptions. He pointed out that growth is now more widespread across sectors, contrasting with previous years affected by challenges like weather and high fertiliser costs.
The Central Bank of Belize projects the economy to grow by about 7% in 2024, outperforming growth expectations for other Central American and Caribbean nations and exceeding the global average of 2.1%. “In Belize’s case, the Central Bank of Belize expects that growth will be around 4.1%, again exceeding the global growth and the Latin American Caribbean region growth, and this should be above what the IMF says is our long growth potential output, which is again 2.5%,” Michael stated.
On September 26, the Central Bank of Belize announced the approval of a new series of banknotes. During a press conference this morning, the bank shared that the new notes will be unveiled in January 2025. These new banknotes will be designed with improved features to make them more resistant to counterfeiting.
For those concerned about the current banknotes in circulation, the Central Bank stated that the “current notes will remain valid.”
It was mentioned that before the new banknotes are fully in circulation, there will be a transition period to give the public plenty of time to become familiar with the new design.
As the oldest and largest bank in Belize, Belize Bank’s legacy celebrated a new shift last night with the launch of “Brand Icon Reveal” at the Belize Bank Business Centre on Albert Street, Belize City. Chairman & CEO of The Belize Bank Limited, Filippo Alario, expressed his honour while unveiling the bank’s new brand identity, describing it as “something small, but… monumental in our view, in terms of significance.” Speaking about the significance of the new symbol, he stated, “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. Now, you may be thinking, What’s the big deal with something so small?”
Alario humorously added, “I want you all to step on a Lego brick in the middle of the night. I have a five-year-old and a two-year-old, and I can tell you something small can pack a good punch.” He explained that the symbol is more than just 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.”
“We all know Belize Bank is the largest and oldest bank in Belize. We’ve been around since 1902… This legacy reflects our unwavering commitment to excellence and resilience.” He highlighted the bank’s deep ties to Belize’s vibrant and diverse culture and its commitment to serving communities. The new symbol, he noted, serves as a reminder to “stay true to our values while celebrating and championing our evolving identity.”
The new icon also symbolises hope and renewed commitment. “It is our renewed commitment to financial inclusion, sustainability, and innovation. We are here to support small businesses, foster economic growth, and empower Belizeans in every corner,” he stated. Alario assured that despite the focus on digitalisation, the human element remains integral to the bank’s mission. “Behind every transaction is a story… a person. We are embracing this digital era to ensure that the way you interact with us is not only digital but also personal.”
In her welcome address, Chief Operations Officer Agatha Ruta spoke on the transformative impact of digital banking in Belize and the region of Central America. She pointed out that digital services have overcome traditional barriers like limited branch access and the lack of trust in banking. Ruta said that digital banking’s “role in reducing poverty and improving economic mobility by offering financial services to those who were previously excluded; digital banking is giving individuals tools to become more independent when it comes to financial services.”
Ruta said that digital loan applications are a significant change, making credit more accessible and less burdensome for many Belizeans. She described this as “a game changer,” allowing people to apply for loans from home for purposes like education or starting a business at “the palm of their hands.”
According to Belize Bank, this shift enhances security and traceability, reducing risks of fraud and money laundering. Its digital strategy has led to a significant shift in how people access financial services. With 75% of customers using digital banking and a 30% conversion rate of previously unbanked individuals, these efforts have made banking more accessible and transparent. The bank’s fully digital loan application, launched in June 2023, offers 24/7 access, secure document signing, and real-time status updates. This service has processed over 19,000 applications and generated 21 million in revenue, showcasing Belize Bank’s commitment to modern banking.
“Your bank should be on your phone, in your pocket, wherever you go, 24/7,” said Alario.
Last night, we shared the excitement surrounding the screening of Moses ‘Shyne’ Barrow’s documentary at the Princess Cinema, which received rave reviews from attendees. However, tonight, the documentary is facing some criticism. Maya Cultural Activist Juan Caal, who runs the Maya Culture Belize Facebook page, has accused Barrow of exploiting Maya cultural heritage. Caal is particularly upset about the cover art, which shows Barrow sitting in front of a Maya temple, and the fact that Barrow conducted an interview for the documentary at the same location. Here’s how Caal explained his objections to the image.
Juan Caal
Juan Caal, Maya Cultural Activist
“If you look at it, I don’t know him personally. I have only been hearing about the documentary on the media as well. But, one must think like, is it not a logical question, what does the Maya temple have to do with your story? How does it relate? It is only logic, I would have seen him sitting down in front of the National Assembly. It is more relatable to the power that he seeks to become prime minister. That is my question when I share. It results in nothing else, but like some would say, publicity. But, I am not sure publicity for who. Publicity for him, publicity for the Maya people, but we have to look at it from a very in depth perspective. For you to do that, you have to be grounded in culture, you have to look at the respect you must have for your own culture and the culture of others.”
Paul Lopez
“So do you believe that his use of the Maya temple is a form of cultural exploitation?”
Juan Caal
“I think, these scenarios has been going on. His one is not just the first. We have seen so many times when we have seen artist, we have seen where in the name of so many things they use our cultural heritage. And, it continues to happen. I think this is the time we need to start dialogue with the cultural gate keepers on how we go about promoting the cultural heritage of Belize. We have to revisit policies that promotes appreciation of people’s culture.”
Cultural Activist Juan Caal explained that Barrow’s photo in front of the Maya temple doesn’t reflect the values and principles of the Maya people at all. He argues that those in charge of cultural heritage, who grant permission for using these sites, need to reform their policies. Monica Magnusson, sister of Christina Coc, the spokesperson for the Maya Leaders Alliance and the Toledo Alcalde Alliance, also criticized Barrow. In a fiery Facebook post, Magnusson called it a blatant example of the elites disrespecting, exploiting, and appropriating their sacred temple. Interestingly, the MLA/TAA hasn’t taken a stance on this issue. Caal believes Barrow’s photo shows an egotistical mindset.
Juan Caal
Juan Caal, Maya Cultural Activist
“If I describe to you the picture I saw, it is someone portraying power, portraying for the lack of a better word, an egoistic way of thinking. That is what I got and that is my interpretation of it.”
Paul Lopez, Reporter
“Does the image and its portrayal on a global platform offend you?”
Juan Caal
“Well, this is where it becomes very interesting because you hear people saying it is being marketed on a global stage. Well, this is not the first. He is doing it. Ms. Universe did it. Our own tourism board do it all the time. But if you ask the question, how do we as a people, as Maya people, beside the fact we want to know how it reflects our values, principles, how we benefit form all of this. Is it for the sake of just giving me a voice to be represented. I can tell you, I do not need anyone to represent my Maya culture. I can do it by myself. And while we appreciate others representing it, it has to be done in such a way that promotes respect.”
Paul Lopez
“How would you respond to questions such as who has ownership over the Maya temples in Belize and to whom must permission be asked to take a picture or do an interview in front of a Maya temple?”
Juan Caal
“As you know the United National Declaration of Indigenous People, shares that these policies must be shaped with consultation or the Maya people involved, to consult. And this has to happen in a way that policies need to be revisited. Whoever the relevant stakeholders that hold the gates to our cultural heritage must have a dialogue and this dialogue must start now where we sit down and promote policies that promotes respect, and appreciation for our culture, not just Maya culture, culture on a whole. I’ll give you an example, how would you feel if your great grand mother’s tomb was behind Shyne’s backdrop. How does it relate to your grandmother. How does that relate to the story you are telling. That is a simple question.”
On Sunday, the Mexican government announced that the U.S. has hit the pause button on importing Mexican cattle. This decision came after a case of New World screwworm was found in the lakeside town of Catazaja, located in southern Chiapas. On Friday, the U.S. Department of Agriculture shared that Mexico’s top vet had alerted them about a screwworm found in a cow at a checkpoint near the Guatemala border. These pesky maggots sneak in through open wounds and feast on the living flesh of warm-blooded animals, including humans. The USDA cautioned that these infestations can be tricky to spot initially but can show up as growing wounds, creamy larvae, and signs of discomfort. So, what does this mean for Belize and its cattle industry? Earlier today, we had a chat with Fermin Blanco, the country rep for OIRSA in Belize, to get the scoop.
On the phone: Fermin Blanco, Country Representative, OIRSA
“The detection of that screwworm fly in Mexico has put everybody on alert because of damages that it causes, but that ban that the US puts on Mexico, that stays between both countries. In our case, we export to Mexico. Belize is still free of screwworm, so our protocols for exportation remains the same until there is a detection in Belize then the whole protocol will change and they will add in more restrictions. Since CENASICA knew of the detection in Guatemala, they have heightened their protocols, they have increased their inspections and sanitation and everything that it’s kind of difficult for export from Guatemala to Mexico, but because Guatemala has reported officially the presence of the screwworm. Belize has not, up to now, we are still free. In the region, the OIRSA region, El Salvador and Belize are still free, so our protocols for export to Mexico remains the same, unless there is a detection which we don’t have at the moment.”
Isani Cayetano
“What changes in respect of the protocols should there be a detection in Belize?”
Fermin Blanco
“CENASICA has indicated that they might heighten sanitary measures which will include each animal being inspected and has to be certified free of any wound, any ticks, any flies that can attract the flies. Plus, they’ll have to spray the animals with insecticides, including an ivermectin injection to guarantee that the fly does not travel with the animals. That protocol is not in place for Belize. That protocol has been placed for animals in Guatemala that’s coming in from that area to Mexico.”
Belize is staying on high alert with preventative measures in place, but Blanco told News Five that keeping screwworm at bay needs teamwork from everyone in the cattle industry, including the Belize Livestock Producers Association. He pointed out that the spread of this pesky parasitic fly is linked to the illegal movement of cattle across the region.
On the phone: Fermin Blanco, Country Representative, OIRSA
“It is a joint effort that the organization is doing with BAHA. It’s a team effort, it is the Ministry of Agriculture, it’s BAHA, it’s IICA, it’s OIRSA, it’s the Belize Livestock Producers Association. Everybody has to come on board to prevent the entrance of this pest into Belize. So it’s not a one entity thing, it’s a combined effort and our bet here is to prevent as much as possible the entrance of this fly. What happened is that this fly moves along with the illegal movement of cattle in Central America and Belize is not a route for those animals. It travels from Nicaragua, to Honduras, to Guatemala, to Mexico. So that has been the pattern of the fly where it has been detected. So, for us here, we just have to strengthen the securities at the border points and the unofficial border points so as to prevent as much as possible the entrance of this pest into Belize. So we are working hand in hand with BAHA, with IICA, and the Ministry of Agriculture, like I said.”
Even with current protocols in place, stopping the spread of screwworms means cattle farmers need to change their ways. Meanwhile, Belize is staying vigilant and closely monitoring trade relations between the U.S. and Mexico.
On the phone: Fermin Blanco, Country Representative, OIRSA
“It’s a change of practices that the user has to adopt now because, since it was eradicated in the early nineties, the management of cattle has changed. But now with this new pest, everything has changed again and we have to treat all wounds in animals, even when you brand, when you do ear-tagging, when you dehorning, all those practices now, you have to kill those pests that you past to the animals so as to avoid the pests because the pest is attracted by blood. So if it’s around and there is a wound then they will definitely go there. So prevention is the best method and we just have to see what happens with the trade relations between the US and Mexico to see what would be the permanent sanitary measure that would be imposed to Mexico. So we have to be vigilant and we need to update ourselves as to what is happening. That might have repercussions on our trade.”
Over the past few weeks, News Five has been digging into the operations at Caribi Bleu Casino in San Pedro. So far, we’ve discovered that the casino’s owner has connections to an alleged illegal gaming spot in Lady Lake, Florida. We’ve also found an unauthorized ATM inside Caribi Bleu Casino on the island town that dispenses U.S. currency. But before we dive deeper into our investigation, it’s crucial to understand how casinos are set up in Belize and why there’s a maze of legislation and multiple authorities overseeing the industry. News Five’s Paul Lopez has the story.
Paul Lopez, Reporting
A recent study reveals that the global casino market was worth a staggering one hundred and sixty-three billion dollars in 2023, with Latin America’s share estimated at eight point seven billion dollars. While the exact value of Belize’s casino market remains undisclosed, the influx of half a million tourists in 2023 suggests that the local casino industry is poised to deliver significant returns for investors.
The first recorded legislation to regulate casinos in Belize dates back to April thirtieth, 1999, during a National Assembly debate led by then Prime Minister Said Musa. During the discussion on the proposed Gaming Control Bill, he remarked, quote, It would provide a system for the licensing and control of this business and allow for the imposition of a very serious tax on gaming. Under the law any operator of such machines must first obtain a license, otherwise the establishment will be closed down.” unquote
Since then, the Gaming Control Act has undergone numerous amendments, evolving into the comprehensive sixty-one-page document it is today. A quick Google search for casinos in Belize now yields eight results. These establishments cater to thrill-seekers and gambling enthusiasts, offering a variety of traditional casino games like slot machines, blackjack, baccarat, and more.
How to Open a Casino in Belize
Entering the Belize casino market involves several key steps. First, anyone looking to open a casino must apply to the Gaming Control Board. Since Belizean casinos mainly target tourists, applicants need to be ready to invest significantly in a four- or five-star hotel or resort. This is one of the primary conditions for getting started. To show just how serious they are about vetting applicants and their proposed operations, the Gaming Control Board requires a detailed business plan. Along with this, potential casino owners must provide proof of clearance from the Belize Tourism Board, a full set of fingerprints, and meet twenty other requirements. Additionally, they need approval from the area representative or mayor and the police.
Paul Lopez
“Do you know an individual by the name of Remington Ray, the owner of Caribi Bleu Casino?”
Andre Perez
Andre Perez, Area Representative, Belize Rural South
“No, I don’t.”
Chairman of the Gaming Control Board, Bob Bounahra, emphasized to News Five, ‘If all the checks are not crossed, you are not getting a license.’ He explained that the clearance from the Belize Tourism Board is crucial to boost tourism investment in Belize, stating, ‘Casinos are not our main goal. The casino is to assist the tourism industry.’ When asked about the importance of getting a no-objection letter from the area representative or municipal authority, Nahra said, ‘If you want to put a casino across from a church or in the middle of the ocean, I sit in an office in Belize City and have no idea what happens in San Pedro. I need their help. They run their town or city. They know what is best for them, so we can make the correct decision.’ The no-objection letter must be submitted to the board as a hardcopy.
The Gaming Control Board
Gaming in Belize is a booming industry, overseen by a nine-member Gaming Control Board, primarily made up of representatives from various government ministries. This board has the authority to regulate casino operations, grant and revoke licenses, and ensure that casinos remain free of criminal activities. When we asked Chairman Bounahra about the frequency of compliance checks in Belizean casinos, he explained, ‘We do it about two or three times a year. This is because licenses are issued annually, so we assess everything at the end of the year and review each individual case.’ Interestingly, the Gaming Control Act doesn’t specify how often these checks should occur. According to Bounahra, the compliance unit within the Ministry of Investment handles these visits. He added, ‘If the board were to decide when the department needs to make visits, we’d be wasting our time. It’s the department that conducts the visits. We ask for checks and compliance.’ He clarified that the Board doesn’t give specific directives on what to check during these visits.
Money Laundering in Casinos
One issue that has kept regulatory bodies on high alert in the casino sector for decades is money laundering. A 2009 study by the Financial Action Task Force identified casinos as the highest risk for money laundering activities. This is why Belize’s Money Laundering and Terrorism (Prevention) Act explicitly covers casinos. The Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) is designated as the supervisory authority for casinos in Belize, tasked with ensuring they comply with anti-money laundering obligations through on-site examinations and other methods.
In addition to the FIU’s role, the Gaming Control Board also conducts compliance visits to assess casinos’ adherence to anti-money laundering laws. When asked about the board’s involvement in monitoring financial transactions, Bounahra explained, ‘The board only looks at what the department is monitoring. We don’t deal directly with individuals or companies.’ He also mentioned that the board receives monthly financial reports from casino establishments.
Regarding the capacity of compliance officers to detect suspicious financial transactions, Bounahra said, ‘We were at zero before taking over this last board in 2021, and now we’re almost there. It took a lot of work, but we’ve made significant progress. There’s no such thing as 100%, but we’re almost where we want to be. Despite all these compliance measures, one burning question remains: how did Caribi Bleu Casino manage to operate an unauthorized ATM dispensing U.S. currency right inside its premises. Bounahra categorically stated that he cannot speak about this, because the Gaming Control Board does not have authority over these matters. He confined his comments only to gaming. The Central Bank of Belize is the body empowered to issue authorization for the operation of payment systems such as automated teller machines as well as authorization to deal in foreign currency. So, did they give Caribi Bleu Casino permission to do both? We continue to seek answers from the Central Bank of Belize. Reporting for News Five, I am Paul Lopez.
