Business & Economy
Liquor License Board Holds Annual Meeting in San Pedro
The San Pedro Town Council’s Liquor License Board held its mandatory annual general meeting on Wednesday, January 27th, at the Lions Den. The meeting brought together liquor license holders and community members to discuss 2026 renewals, compliance requirements, and ongoing challenges.
Business & Economy
CIB President Luigi Wewege Listed Among Top 50 Global FinTech Influencers
President Luigi Wewege of Caye International Bank (CIB) has once again earned international recognition, being named to the Top 50 Global Thought Leaders and Influencers in FinTech for 2026. Thinkers360, a global thought leadership platform and expert network, announced it on January 21st. According to Thinkers360, the list features members who actively curate and share thought leadership content across a wide range of platforms, including articles, blogs, books, keynote addresses, media interviews, panels, podcasts, social media, speaking engagements, videos, webinars, and whitepapers.
Business & Economy
2026 Sugar Crop Officially Opens; Sugar Prices to Increase
On Tuesday, January 20, it was confirmed that sugar prices in Belize will increase. The Minister of State announced the Ministry of Foreign Trade, Dr. Osmond Martinez, during an event in Orange Walk Town marking the official opening of the 2026 sugar crop season.
Business & Economy
Businesses Note Slower Start to 2026 Tourism Season
Tour operators, restaurant owners, and hoteliers in San Pedro are reporting a noticeable slowdown in tourism during the first week of January 2026, following the traditionally busy Christmas and New Year’s holiday period. Local businesses describe quieter streets and lower-than-expected bookings during what is typically considered peak tourism season.
Business & Economy
2026 Sugarcane Crop to Begin After One-Year Agreement Extension
The 2026 sugarcane crop is expected to begin later this month following the signing of an addendum to the commercial agreement between the Belize Sugar Cane Farmers Association (BSCFA) and Belize Sugar Industries Limited (BSI). The agreement was signed on January 7th and extends the existing commercial arrangement for another year.
Business & Economy
BTL’s Proposed Acquisition Uncertain after Companies Withdraw
Following an announcement on January 9th that Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL) was considering the acquisition of SMART, along with cable companies Centaur Communications and CTI/NEXGEN, the proposed consolidation is now uncertain. This follows the cable companies' withdrawal from negotiations amid increased public and media scrutiny. The proposed deal may now proceed with SMART included only.
Business & Economy
Opposition Rises over BTL’s Proposed Acquisition of SMART and Other Providers
The announcement that Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL) is considering the acquisition of SMART, Centaur Communications, and CTI/NEXGEN has raised concerns nationwide, particularly within the private sector and political arena. The proposed consolidation of telephone, cable, and internet service providers was discussed during a press conference held on Friday, January 9th, in Belize City.
Business & Economy
New U.S. Policy May Affect Money Sent to Belize
New United States regulations impose a 1% federal excise tax on certain remittances sent from the U.S., effective January 1, 2026, targeting transfers made through Western Union, MoneyGram, cash, money orders, and cashier’s checks. The measure is part of President Donald Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” which was signed into law in July 2025.
Business & Economy
Electricity Rates Rise, BEL Says Maintaining Service Will Be Challenging
Now in 2026, Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) began rolling out new electricity tariffs on January 1st, following approval from the Public Utilities Commission (PUC). The PUC approved a three-cent-per-kilowatt-hour increase over 30 months. BEL had requested an increase of nearly five cents over 24 months.
Business & Economy
PUC Approves Amendment to BEL’s ARP 2025 Final Decision
On December 11, 2025, the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) issued its Initial Decision on amendments to Belize Electricity Limited’s (BEL) 2025 Annual Review Proceeding (ARP) Final Decision.
Business & Economy
BEL Cites Rising Costs in Bid for Higher Electricity Rates
Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) has applied to the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) for a 5.55-cent increase in the Mean Electricity Rate (MER), equivalent to a 13.9 percent rise, to take effect on January 1, 2026. The request comes at a time when Belizeans are already grappling with a rising cost of living, higher food and fuel prices, and ongoing concerns about the stability of the national power supply.
