2024-12-14 - Channel 5 Belize

No GST, ‘Whether by Cash or Credit/Debit Card’

As the first GST-free weekend kicks off, shoppers are already reporting mixed experiences. Sherlet Rose Neal, a local consumer, shared a video on Facebook sharing the experience she encountered while grocery shopping today.

According to Neal, she was informed by a Chinese store that the GST relief would not apply to credit or debit card transactions. Neal said that the store’s reason was, “”Because they have to pay the bank 3%.”

In response to the video, the Government of Belize Press Office clarified that the GST exemption applies to all purchases made during the designated four days, regardless of payment method. “Shoppers are informed that on the 4 days designated as GST-Free days, ALL immediate retail purchases, whether by cash or credit/debit card, carry no GST,” the office stated.

Shoppers are advised to carefully check their receipts to ensure they are receiving the GST relief.

GST Christmas Waiver: Here’s How It Works for Shoppers and Businesses

Two Men Charged with Cousins’ Murder

Two men have been charged with the murder of cousins Marvin Cante and Juan Raymundo. They are Karl Lindbergh Lindo, 21, of Hattieville, and Christopher Alexander Smith, 21, of Belize City.

The remains of the cousins were found on December 11th in a shallow grave off Dollar Bank Road in Hattieville.
The cousins went missing in late November.

Concerns intensified when Raymundo did not reply to messages from his common-law wife. By the next day, they were reported missing to the authorities. Raymundo’s vehicle was found abandoned on November 28th, near mile 24 on the George Price Highway, with the engine still running.

Dr. Eck Raffle is Among 41 Approved Raffle Licenses for 2024

The Lotteries Committee announced the approval of 41 individuals and organisations to conduct raffles in 2024. According to the Lotteries Committee, anyone wishing to host raffles with prizes totalling at least $500 must apply for a license.

The Lotteries Committee said in its statement that the list of approved raffle organisers can be accessed in its official page.

One of the approved raffles is being held to support Dr. Cecelio Eck’s cancer treatment. Dr. Eck, who was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer in July, is receiving treatment outside of Belize. A raffle, running from November to January 2025, is raising funds for his medical expenses. Tickets are priced at $100 and can be purchased online through OneLink until January 6, 2025.

Payments are secure and accepted via local and US debit and credit cards.

Dr. Eck’s treatment plan includes chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and surgeries for damage to his right humerus and pelvis.

The Lotteries Committee stated that the list of approved raffle organisers will be updated weekly on the government’s website and added that the list is subject to change weekly, with up-to-date details.

Can Partnerships Help Belize Fight Human Trafficking?

With human trafficking continuing to threaten vulnerable communities, Belize’s government is stepping up its efforts. Officials, experts, and organisations gathered on Thursday to discuss the harsh realities of human trafficking and how to better protect those at risk. The event was organised by the Anti-Trafficking in Persons (ATIPs) Council and the International Organisation for Migration (IOM). It focused on the global nature of the issue and how collaboration can drive real change in the fight against exploitation, particularly on the geopolitical and transnational dimensions of human trafficking.

In her opening remarks, CEO of the Ministry of Human Development, Families and Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Adele Catzim-Sanchez spoke on the harsh realities of trafficking but acknowledged the progress made. She said the road ahead requires continued partnership between the government, NGOs, international organisations, and the private sector.

As part of its commitment to fighting human trafficking, the Belize Police Department and the Human Trafficking Institute signed a Memorandum of Understanding this year on February 8. Five months later, the RET International conducted a training session for transportation industry workers to raise awareness of human trafficking in July. The University of Belize incorporating the training into its e-courses.

The Belize City Mayor, Bernard Wagner, highlighted the importance of that training and its impact in building awareness within the transportation industry. “Human trafficking is not only relegated to Belize. It’s all across the world. It’s a million, billion-dollar industry. And having this first step and this starting point, we really should begin to see some returns,” Wagner said.

Magistrate Court Gets a Tech Boost to Clear Case Backlog

Belize’s Magistrate Court is getting a digital makeover to help tackle its growing backlog of cases. On Friday, the court announced that it received new computers, printers, and other essential technology to assist in streamlining its case management system and reduce delays that have long affected justice.

The upgrade is valued at USD 35,000 (BZD 70,000) and is part of the European Union-funded PACE Justice Project, supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

During a handover ceremony, Michael Lund, Deputy Resident Representative of UNDP, and Amilin Mendez, UNDP’s Team Lead for Inclusive Growth, Digitisation, and Governance, presented the equipment to Chief Magistrate Jayani Wegadapola.

“The provision of ICT equipment is a clear example of how targeted interventions can improve the functioning of public institutions, contribute to good governance, and support the modernisation and digitisation of magistrate courts across the country,” the UNDP said in a statement.