After months of tension and a possible demonstration, the Belize National Teachers’ Union (BNTU) and the Ministry of Education (MoECST) have signed a joint statement reaffirming their commitment to improving Belize’s education system.
Following a five-hour meeting, both parties agreed on key reforms to tackle longstanding issues, including teacher salaries, increments, and allowances. During the meeting, BNTU President Nadia Caliz stated her satisfaction with the progress and that this was just the beginning of regular, biannual meetings to address challenges.
Education Minister Francis Fonseca pointed out the ministry’s commitment to tackling some of the most pressing challenges. According to the joint statement, the goal is to ” “create an education system that meets the needs of the nation and its people” by “affixing their signatures to” the following:
Salary and Allowance Improvements: MoECST promises to ensure timely payment of salary increments and allowances for teachers. A new digital system for processing applications will launch in mid-February, with the goal of minimising disruptions for educators.
Teacher Recruitment and Development: The Ministry plans to expedite teacher and administrator appointments and support in-service teachers with scholarships for high-priority areas like math and science.
Digital Transformation: Efforts to modernise include integrating teacher accounts with BEMIS and offering online courses to enhance professional development.
The ministry also offered 11 scholarships for teachers, temporary teaching permits for specialised subjects, and additional support for educators in remote areas.
Although the immediate crisis seems resolved, Caliz clarified that the union council will decide on future actions, including whether to stand down from potential industrial action.
Belize has become a leader in the fight against money laundering, terrorism financing, and weapons proliferation, according to the latest report from the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF). Belize has not only surpassed expectations but has set a new standard for technical compliance, earning “Fully Compliant” ratings for 38 out of 40 key anti-money laundering measures.
The CFATF’s 4th Round Mutual Evaluation Report (MER) highlighted Belize’s impressive ratings in both technical compliance and effectiveness.”Belize now has the distinction of having the strongest technical compliance ratings in the world, surpassing the previous record holder, Qatar.”
In terms of effectiveness, Belize also performed strongly, with Substantial ratings in five of the eleven Immediate Outcomes, including a regional first in proliferation financing.
“Belize has a robust regime in place to ensure that ML is identified, investigated and prosecuted. This framework consists of laws, working groups and policies within the different law enforcement and prosecutorial agencies,” CFATF reported.
According to the government of Belize, this success is the result of nearly two years of rigorous evaluation and collaboration among Belize’s national authorities, which culminated in the country achieving Regular Follow-up status—a distinction held by less than 15% of the world’s nations.
Just before news time, the Central Bank of Belize unveiled the much-anticipated new currency note designs. The public has been eagerly waiting to catch a glimpse, and now the moment has finally arrived. Although the new notes won’t be in circulation until mid-year, attendees at the unveiling event got an exclusive first look at what to expect. Prime Minister John Briceño highlighted why this is a historic moment for the nation, while Central Bank Governor Kareem Michael reassured everyone that the current notes will remain valid.
Prime Minister John Briceño
Prime Minister John Briceño
“Today we honor Belize’s cultural heritage and the transformative impact our national heroes have had on our country. George Price led a revolution that was peaceful and constructive. He worked hard every single day to lead our nation to independence. Phillip Goldson understood the value of hard work and became known for his tireless work to defend his values. As we look to the future and admire the design of the new currency notes, let us look beyond its value but see in this an investment in our economic stability. Let us celebrate those heroes who exemplify our national heroes who symbolize our resistance. As these banknotes begin to circulate let them symbolize a tangible connection to our past and the bright future that lies ahead.”
Kareem Michael
Kareem Michael, Governor, Central Bank of Belize
“I would like to reemphasize that when we put the new series of notes into circulation there will be absolutely no change in its value. Today one U.S. dollar is equivalent to two Belizean dollar. This will not change. The value one Belize dollar after the new bank note is put into circulation will remain the same.”
The notes were designed by a British based company, De La Rue Internation Limited with the help of the Central Bank of Belize. The newly designed bills include a host of new security features to prevent counterfeiting. Furthermore, the designers placed key emphasis on images that reflect the Belizean identity.
Gareth Evans
Gareth Evans, Regional Director, De La Rue International Ltd.
“Utilizing the latest techniques in the design for Belize’s banknotes, we are introducing advanced design features that are at the forefront of the industry. These features include the use of cutting edge holographic dynamic color shifting technology, depicting the dynamic Belizean imagery. These elements enhance the visual appearance of the bank notes to promote authentication for the public. Additional layers of security are embedded in the design for authentication using simple tools such as UV lamps and magnetic fires. These combinations of features make counterfeiting a daunting challenge for even the most determined criminals. The introduction of new innovate features in your bank note ensure that you are protecting yourself against counterfeiting and safeguarding the hard-earned money for Belizeans, both now and in the years ahead. But, beyond the security and durability, the importance of the aesthetic appeal of the bank notes cannot be overlooked. It is often stated that a bank note is like a country’s business card. The design should invoke pride and should resonate with the citizen. With that in mind, each note in the new series has been meticulously designed to celebrate the rich tapestry of Belizean culture. Working closely with the team at Central Bank, De la Rue has created a vibrant, fresh series of bank notes for the people of Belize.”
In late 2024, word began to spread about a possible hike in hotel tax from nine to twelve percent, catching the attention of industry stakeholders. While the Ministry of Tourism hasn’t made a final decision yet, reports suggest that if the increase goes through, it will be part of a broader tourism tax reform initiative. Prime Minister John Briceño has weighed in, stating that the tourism industry needs to pay its fair share, especially after the millions of dollars invested by the Government of Belize.
Prime Minister John Briceño
“I do believe the tourism industry needs to pay their fair share. We have invested tens of millions of dollars in the tourist industry and we taxpayers have paid for it. When you put infrastructure development and beach development and marketing, you name it. And now it is time. This industry is growing and growing fastest ever, we are the fastest growing tourism in the region. So now that we have done all that. I think it is only fair to get bac some of that money and give the relief to people who need it most and for us to be able to give the relief to people that need it most. It is the lower middle class. We want to build more middle class. We have been saying that we want to eliminate the PAYE or remove it and just keep it in the higher upper bracket, fifty, seventy thousand dollars, that would be ideal.”
The Association of Beneficiaries and Retired Public Officers is ready to protest the Government of Belize. For years, they’ve been demanding the dissolution of the Public Service Workers Trust and the release of the eight million dollars it holds. On Tuesday, the association held a press conference in Belize City, expressing frustration over the delays. They pointed out that several of the six hundred trust members have passed away, while others are elderly and ailing. Prime Minister John Briceño has voiced his support for dissolving the trust, but a claim before the High Court is currently preventing any action.
Prime Minister John Briceño
“There is a group of public officers that have taken out a case. This is the last I can remember. That is in the supreme court. Before we could dissolve that trust they need to take that out of the Supreme Court. We run the risk of, if we do that the courts could come at us and say we can’t do that because it is a live matter in the court. I have said let us get that out of court. I had a meeting with them the other day. They agreed to remove the case and then we are going to wind down that trust. They should get their money. I support that. They should get their money because they are getting older, dying or more than ever they need the help, they are not working, sick and so they have my full support.”
In case you haven’t noticed, it’s January—the month that feels like it drags on forever, thanks to the financial pinch it brings. After the holiday splurges and loans, many are tightening their belts, leading to what’s known as “Maaga Season.” This period forces people to stick to the bare necessities. For the average person, this might mean packing lunch instead of buying it, while businesses may need to offer special deals to attract customers. In this week’s edition of Belize on Reel, Marion Ali found that even vegetable sales at a market stall are sluggish this month.
Melany Yestrau
Melany Yestrau, Owner, Pallet Furniture
“I even started a food business. I sell food at the school now. And still do my palleting at the same time. But not as before.”
Marion Ali, Reporting
You’ve probably seen her featured on our news before. She is known as the pallet furniture lady. Melany Yestrau has been doing pallet furniture for a few years now, but during this maaga season she says that pallet furniture sales have slowed to a screeching halt that she has had to turn to cooking and selling food and other items to survive this month.
Melany Yestrau
“ I’m trying to even do things for sale. Like a little TV stand and a table. But, youknow, everybody wants their little money. Saving for the bills and things like that because of the Magga season. So, things have been a bit hard. The Christmas was better for you? Um. On the pallet? For the pallet, yeah. From the middle of December to the, to right now to January, it’s been very slow that I had to do something to pick up back in, in, you know, to pay your bills and everything. And you know, I’m hoping, I’m hoping this change by this end of the month..”
At this time of year, it is the high season for the tourism industry because Belize gets visitors from North America to visit and stay overnight. But while business is good right now for the resorts, owner of Black Orchid Resort in Burrell Boom, Douglas Thompson says that the visits from Belizeans this month have fallen to just forty percent of what it is during the summer time.
Douglas Thompson
Douglas Thompson, Owner, Black Orchid Resort
“During January, after the Christmas holidays, it slows down in terms of, I guess, the resources that locals have to spend. And, uh, yes, it’s a high season for tourists, but for locals, it slows down until maybe around December. May, June, July, and going in for the summer when we get the diaspora comes in also. But, so what we are doing here at Black Orchid, we are starting a loyalty program, whereby we, uh, folks that normally come here becomes members of Black Orchid. Belizeans that come here, become members, and they have a discount whenever they are here. That, that will be true, so even during the margaret season. They could still come and enjoy Black Orchid.”
And while we do have to eat daily, even the vegetable stalls at the market have seen a scarcity of shoppers, like Annie Aguilar told us.
Annie Aguilar
Annie Aguilar, Owner, WG’s Fruits and Mini Shop
“ Right now business is very slow. I think because of the season, you know, everybody will probably has bills to pay and December just left so, normally, well, this year is more slower than other years. So economic is very right now things are very expensive. So I think maybe because, um, because of that because watermelon, there are two dollars a pound. Okay, and then the customers aren’t coming? And the customers are not coming. So everybody’s just picking one or two things and that’s it. Do you find you have to throw out a lot of your vegetables? Do they expire? Yes, a lot. When it comes to, um, tomatoes, sweet peppers, um, onions, carrots.”
Aguilar projects that business will return to normal in February. Marion Ali for News Five.
On Monday, Donald Trump was sworn in as the forty-seventh president of the United States. Known for his strict stance on immigration, Trump plans to deport all illegal immigrants from U.S. soil. This mass deportation will affect many Central American nationals, including those from El Salvador, Guatemala, and Belize. The Belize Police Department is preparing for the return of several wanted criminals who had fled to the U.S. Commissioner of Police Chester Williams assured that the department is ready to receive all deportees and outlined the protocols that will be in place upon their arrival back in Belize.
Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police
“Once you get a deportee coming in, we get a notice that the deportee will be coming in on certain flights. And that information comes to me. I send that information to GI3 then goes to the airport and meet that person when they get off the flight. That person is then taken into an office, interviewed by immigration. From there, they’re brought to Belize City to the GI3 office where they go through the process as a deportee. They’ll be issued a letter instructing them that they are to report to the police station in the area where they reside. Either once or twice a week for a certain period of time, if it is that they are to change the address while they are reporting, they have an obligation to ensure that they report to the police that they have changed the address. If as a part of that deporting process as well, they’re not supposed to hang out with any person who are of criminal background. So there are several things that comes with being a deportee while reporting and we ensure that those issues are stipulated by law,bthat they are followed to the T. So once a deportee, for example, changes his address without notifying GI3, that deportee can be charged criminally and taken before the court”
Paul Lopez
“Does police anticipate an influx?”
Chester Williams
“Well, obviously we have heard the news from the new President of the United States that they’ll be rounding up people and they’ll be sending them back home. So, we are expecting that, yes, certain people will be brought back home. And as I’ve said before, there are some of these people who are wanted by the police for record. Crimes they have been accused of committing and we’re waiting for them. Once they land at the airport We’ll be there to receive them and they go through the process.”
Earlier this week, Brigadier General Azariel Loria, Commander of the Belize Defense Force, addressed concerns about the morale and welfare of soldiers. He emphasized his open-door policy for addressing any issues his soldiers might have. While noting that the soldiers’ salaries are managed by the Public Service Commission, he mentioned that certain allowances are already in the works. However, Loria admitted that there are areas where the force has been neglected, particularly in terms of infrastructure. On Wednesday, Prime Minister Briceño assured that his administration is working on addressing these needs.
Prime Minister John Briceño
“He is right, and we have been working on that. Our government has invested millions of dollars in the BDF. We gotten trucks, more equipment, a new kitchen. Do you realize that the previous kitchen the septic tank was right next to the kitchen and that is where we had our people. We just build our new barracks, we are going o build a clinic down south. So we have been doing our part to improve the moral in BDF. So he is right, but we have been working with them and the morale has been getting better over the past few years.”
We’ve been covering the tough road infrastructure challenges sugarcane farmers in the north are dealing with, but that’s not their only struggle. Prime Minister John Briceño pointed out that securing financing is a major hurdle for these farmers. He explained that they often must take out loans with interest rates as high as fourteen percent because it’s their only option. P.M. Briceño shared his plans to change this situation with reporters.
Prime Minister John Briceño
Prime Minister John Briceño
“One idea we have been playing with, and we have not fully worked it out, but there is a lot of liquidity in the system. One of the challenges our farmers have is the issue of financing. They get these one year financing loans from the bank and the interest rates are as much as fourteen percent. They are gouging them. So, every year they have to renew. When you run on the same spot or just going backwards, one idea we are looking at is providing the financing. The idea is to use this excess liquidity, pass it on to DFC, DFC could go to the farmer, I could go to DFC and say ok, I owe ten thousand dollars. We will pay of your ten thousand and another five thousand to rebuild, but then give you three, four years. At a lower interest rate, it gives them breathing space to rebuild their fields.”
