Minister Mahler says BIMFF is ‘Heading in the Right Direction in only Three Years’

Will the Belize International Music and Food Festival (BIMFF) return to San Pedro and Caye Caulker next year? Despite ongoing concerns about its financial viability, Minister of Tourism Anthony Mahler acknowledged that while the festival is not expected to break even financially, it is meeting its goal of promoting economic development for Belize in the region post-COVID. The Minister stated that BIMFF is “heading in the right direction in only three years.”

In a recent interview, Mahler stated, “I don’t think the festival will ever breakeven… we consider it as an investment.”

The Minister emphasised the positive impact and increased activity experienced by local businesses in both Caye Caulker and San Pedro during the festival’s third edition.

In response to calls from Leader of the Opposition Moses “Shyne” Barrow for an audit of the festival’s finances, Mahler assured that financial reports will be “produced on their website” as done normally.

When asked about Vybz Kartel’s potential involvement in the next festival, Mahler expressed uncertainty about the value of such a meeting but remained open to exploring any promotional opportunities for Belize, saying “any exposure is exposure.”