2024-12-12 - Channel 5 Belize

What The Christmas Shopping GST Waiver Won’t Cover

This Christmas, you can look forward to some serious savings thanks to the government’s GST waiver on a wide range of items, from groceries and home appliances to building materials and more. However, there are a few exceptions to this festive offer. Deputy Director General of the Belize Tax Department, Vilma Broaster, has outlined the goods and services that aren’t included. She also reminded retailers to clearly show the GST fee on their prices, so customers can see on their receipts that they weren’t charged.

Vilma Broaster, Deputy Director General, Belize Tax Department

“It does not apply to the service industry. So people in the service industry are narrowly where your goods are, where your service is taxable. This legislation does not apply. It also does not apply to goods on consignment or others sold on a wholesale basis, the supply of goods on credit installment and higher purchase. Others for goods that are not in stock. The supply of motor vehicles, gasoline, LPG, and diesel, guns, ammunition, cigarettes, and alcoholic beverages. Persons had asked whether or not Motorcycle was exempted, and the answer is no, they are not exempted. They fall on the motor vehicles day as well as mobile phone top-ups and plans are classified as services and so these will not be exempted. Retailers are reminded that the price must be GST inclusive, so, your price displayed must reflect the GST so that the final consumer can actually see indeed that you are removing the GST from the product. So, we have a television as we had indicated value that 1125 GST inclusive. So, the consumer will then only pay a thousand dollars when they go to make that purchase on those days that we have designated as exempted days.”

GST Waiver Covers Vehicle Parts

Although the GST waiver won’t cover the previously mentioned items over the next two weekends, it does include vehicular parts. For those planning to buy hams, the waiver applies to picnic hams, ham legs, and imported turkey throughout December. Deputy Director General Vilma Broaster provides all the dates and details to clear up any confusion.

Vilma Broaster, Deputy Director General, Belize Tax Department

“The car, the parts are exempted. So, if you buy on those days. So if I want to go and I want to buy a battery for my vehicle, I need to buy struts for my vehicle, you will be able to get that exemption once it’s on those days that you’re doing the purchase. It’s just the motor vehicles that you cannot include. The waiver does apply to all once it on it for the imported seafood or your other imported meats. It will apply on the days of the 14th, the 15th, the 21st and the 22nd. So, it will apply on those days. The imported hams, local hams, all of December the waiver will apply.

Consumer Price Index Reveals 3.5% Inflation in First Three Quarters of 2024

The Consumer Price Index (CPI) is a measure that examines the average change in prices over time that consumers pay for a basket of goods and services. Think of it as a way to track how much the cost of living is increasing or decreasing. The latest Consumer Price Index from the Statistical Institute of Belize shows that inflation was steady from October 2019 to October 2020, but prices have been climbing ever since. From January to September 2024, we experienced a three-point-five percent inflation rate compared to the same period in 2023. This doesn’t mean prices are falling; they’re just rising more slowly than they did during and right after the COVID pandemic. Here’s more from statistician Jaime Crespo.

Jaime Crespo, Statistician, S.I.B.

“For the first 10 months in 2024, the cost of goods and services increased or purchased by households increased by 3.5 percent when compared to the same period in 2023. But before we look at the major categories that contributed to this increase, let’s look at the monthly inflation rate from October 2020 to October 2024. We can observe a period of low and stable inflation near 0 percent from October 2019 to October 2020. After that, there was a steep rise reaching to 6.7 percent in late 2022. After that, inflation gradually decreased, dropping to 2. 1 percent in October 2024. And I must say that even though inflation is lower, this does not mean that prices are decreasing, but that they are increasing at a slower rate. Now, coming back to the year-to-date inflation rate of 3. 5%, let’s look at the major categories that contributed to this increase. First, the food and nonalcoholic beverage category rose by 5. 8%, restaurants and accommodation services rose by 8. 4%, and housing, water, electricity, gas, and other fuels rose by 2.3%.”

SIB Says Inflation is Hardest Felt in Belmopan

When the CPI goes up, it means prices are rising on average, signaling inflation. If it drops, prices are falling, indicating deflation. The CPI is a handy tool for gauging the economy’s health and figuring out how much more or less money people need to keep up their standard of living. This year, Belmopan saw the biggest spike in prices for goods and services from January to October, while Punta Gorda had the smallest increase. Crespo further broke down the three-point-five percent rise across different categories, giving us a clearer picture of where these changes are happening.

Jaime Crespo, Statistician, S.I.B.

“Looking at the housing, water, electricity, gas, and other fuels, prices went up by 2. 3%. This was mainly due to a 2.2 percent increase in house rental costs. Higher prices were recorded for Belmopan, Belize, San Ignacio, Corozal, Orange Walk, and Independence. On the other hand, liquefied petroleum gas decreased by 2.4%. Now, let’s look at how monthly LPG prices have been changing over the past five years. From 2029 to 2024, we can observe that prices have been very volatile. The average price for LPG in 2020 in 2019 was around 116 Belize dollars per hundred, and then there was a sharp decline until mid-2020. After that, LPG prices reached its highest point in early 2022 at an amount of 150 Belize dollars per 100 pounds, and then prices have been steadily decreasing. By late 2024, prices have been normalized in levels like what was recorded in most of 2019.”

Over 50 Children Receive Early Christmas Gifts From Belizean Diaspora

It’s that magical time of year when every child dreams of unwrapping a brand-new gift on Christmas Day. But for many families, affording that special doll or truck isn’t always possible. That’s why the Rogers Stadium Physical Cultural Sporting Club held its annual Christmas party earlier this week. Over fifty kids were delighted to receive gifts, spreading the joy of the season. News Five’s Britney Gordon has the story.

Britney Gordon, Reporting

Unwrapping gifts on Christmas Day is one of the season’s greatest joys, but it’s a joy many children might miss out on. With bills piling up and the cost of living rising, a new toy becomes a luxury some families just can’t afford. Knowing this, the Rogers Stadium Physical Cultural Sporting Club is stepping up to make Christmas a bit brighter for kids in Belize City.

Harold Grant, Sports director, R.S.P.C.S.C.

“ Today, we are having a Christmas party for the kids who is officially members of Rogers Stadium Physical Culture Sporting Club from the summer school and some of the members of the football team and other members of the community.”

The event brought together over fifty underprivileged children from across Belize City for a day of fun, games, dancing, and gift-giving. The celebration was made possible by generous sponsors from the Belizean diaspora and local donors like Santiago Castillo Limited and MADISCO. Sports Director of the Rogers Stadium Physical Cultural Sporting Club, Harold Grant, shares more about this heartwarming event.

Harold Grant

“Today we had two gifts to give to the kids. The first one was their bag with their, with their. toys, headphones, their footballs, couple of kids get watches. The second gift came from my family in the United States, the Francis family, which is Belizean melody swingers band, who gave the kids twenty-five each in an envelope. This money came from my sister, Wendy Francis, my brother, Wilfred Lionel Francis, From my nephew, Keon, and the Belizean melody swingers.”

The Christmas party has been hosted in Belize City for the past four years as a way to give back to the community and form lasting connections with children in vulnerable communities from a young age.

Harold Grant

“I would like to thank everybody who came out and participated and helped us with the kids. I would like to thank all the members from Roger’s Stadium Physical Culture Sporting Club here in Belize and in the Diaspora. I would like to thank everybody that came and helped us to develop our culture. The kids, them during the summertime and at the summer school program that we have every day in my life. I dream of doing the right thing, which is assisting kids. This is my calling and I know that I’m doing the right thing.”

Britney Gordon for News Five.

Severe Flood and Landslide Warnings Issued

A severe flood warning for the Belize River and its tributaries, with flooding conditions persisting in the Belize River Valley and downstream communities, has been issued.

The causeway at Crooked Tree is impassable. Additionally, a landslide warning is in effect for areas on the Eastern Slopes of the Maya Mountains for the next 24 hours. Commuters are advised to exercise extreme caution. The next update will be issued as necessary.

In Region 7, above-normal levels are expected on the Rio Hondo, affecting areas from Blue Creek North to the coast, including Santa Cruz, San Antonio, San Roman, and Douglas. Similarly, above-normal levels are anticipated on the New River at Hill Bank, Tower Hill, and Caledonia, extending to the coast.

In Region 9, residents are urged to closely monitor waterways and exercise extreme caution. The Mopan River at Benque Viejo Town is expected to approach bankfull stage, while levels on the Macal River at Fortis Facilities are being closely monitored. The Chalillo spillway is active, but levels at Mollejon and Vaca facilities should remain below the spillway. At San Ignacio, levels are expected to remain below the Low-Lying bridge. On the Belize River at More Tomorrow, normal levels are expected, but decreasing flood stages are expected at Double Run, where levels are expected to approach bankfull. The Crooked Tree Lagoon continues to exceed the causeway, with flood levels slowly decreasing.

In Region 11, the Sibun River at Freetown Sibun is expected to have below-normal levels, while the Southern Lagoon at Gales Point Village will continue to see above-normal levels. On the Eastern Slopes of the Maya Mountains and the Sittee River at Kendal Bridge, above-normal levels are forecasted. Above-normal levels are also expected on branches of the Monkey River at Swasey and Bladen, and on the Deep River at Medina Bank. On the Rio Grande at San Pedro Columbia, normal levels are expected, but above-normal levels are predicted at Big Falls South. The Moho River at Blue Creek South and Jordan will experience above-normal levels, while the Temash River at Crique Sarco is expected to remain at normal levels.

In Region 13, the Sarstoon River is expected to experience above-normal levels.

Belize Government Lotteries Ltd. Reports Almost $6 Million in Net Profit

The Belize Government Lotteries Limited (BGL) has released its financial statements for the period from its inception on December 3, 2023, to March 31, 2024. The report showcases a strong financial performance.

The company reported total revenue of BZD 36.39 million, primarily driven by lottery sales, thermal paper sales, and rental fees from point-of-sale (POS) machines. With a cost of sales amounting to BZD 30.63 million, BGL achieved a gross profit of BZD 6.35 million. After accounting for administrative expenses and other costs, the net profit stood at BZD 5.85 million.

Administrative expenses totalled BZD 306,991, covering professional fees, staff training, and IT expenses, while employee benefit expenses were BZD 168,910, including regular salaries, allowances, and various leave entitlements.

The company commenced its lottery sales on December 3, 2024, and is responsible for administering and selling the Belize Government Lottery, with profits allocated to the National Health Insurance (NHI) and the Official Charities Fund (OCF). The company received a government subvention of BZD 471,246 to support its initial operations. Unclaimed winnings totalled BZD 592,837.

Grieving Family Confirms Identities of Cousins Found in Shallow Graves

Elmer Cante, the brother of Marvin Cante, 37, and cousin of Juan Raymundo, 32, confirmed to News 5 that they have verified the men’s identities. “Well, we were there earlier this morning, and then we went to the lab, and there we recognised that, yes, it’s my brother and my cousin.”

The duo was last seen alive in late November in Belmopan.

Concern grew after Raymundo failed to respond to messages from his common-law wife. This prompted family members to report both men missing the following day. Their vehicle was discovered abandoned near Mile 24 on the George Price Highway with its engine still running. Family members then launched search efforts, scouring the area but finding no sign of the missing men.

The investigation took a grim turn on Wednesday evening when Hattieville police uncovered two shallow graves along Dollar Bank Road.

Elmer Cante, a relative of the missing men, told News 5 that family members had been tirelessly searching for the two men. He said they explored every location they believed the men might be, but their efforts yielded no results.”

“It’s terrible,” he said, stressing the family’s need for answers about what happened.

Elmer told News 5 that the last message he received from his cousin was a photo sent at 10:49 a.m. on November 27th, showing his brother at a mechanic shop.

The reason behind the cousins’ disappearance remains a mystery. Family members insist that neither man had conflicts with anyone that would suggest foul play. Elmer rejected any suggestion that his brother or cousin were involved in illegal activities, noting his brother was a taxi driver and, to his knowledge, had no ties to criminal activity.

Elmer called on the public to come forward with any information that might help the family get justice for their loved ones. “If they know something, I’m asking them to speak up,” he pleaded.

Ministry Acts to Resolve La Democracia Water Issue

After News 5 reported water issues in La Democracia village, the Ministry of Rural Transformation and Community Development dispatched a team to look into the residents’ complaints. On Tuesday, local resident Chelsie Hyde told News 5 that the village had been “experiencing frequent interruptions in water supply, with no running water on some mornings. When water is available, its quality is alarming—it’s so brown that it leaves stains.”

The ministry said on Facebook, “In response to reports of discoloured water in La Democracia late yesterday evening, our Rig team took action.”

The ministry explained that the discolouration was caused by soil formation around the production well. It added that its team airlifted the RWS production well, cleaned out the reservoir, and initiated a full system flush to restore water quality.

Residents have been advised to run their faucets until the water clears up. “Due to discoloration within the distribution network, residents are advised to run their faucets until the water clears,” the ministry stated.

Are You the $170,000 Jackpot Winner?

The holiday season has come early for one lucky Belizean, as they won $170,000 in Wednesday night’s Mega Bingo draw. Belize Mega Bingo said on its Facebook page, “WE HAVE ANOTHER JACKPOT WINNER!”

It added, “The last big win was on November 20th, 2024, and now we’re celebrating yet again with a $170,000 jackpot winner on December 11th, 2024! Could YOU be our newest jackpot winner?”

For the winner, this prize could mean a very merry Christmas—and the timing couldn’t be better. As if the jackpot weren’t enough, the winner can take advantage of this weekend’s GST-free shopping days.

The government announced the special tax relief on Open Your Eyes on Monday, December 9th. “It’s the season of giving, and it’s about giving back,” said Michelle Longsworth, Director General at the Belize Tax Service. “We are now announcing that we will have GST tax-free days in December. This coming weekend, which is the 14th and 15th, Saturday and Sunday, and next weekend, the 21st and the 22nd. Weekends that are high spending in this month, these days will be GST free.”

So, are you the lucky winner?