October 2008 - Newsletter - The Belize Chamber of Commerce and

award was also given for the Best Physical
Environment, all companies had their restrooms inspected, and ScotiaBank (Belize) Ltd
walked away with that award.
President’s Perspective
pg. 2
C.E.O.’s Perspective
pg. 3
VP Commerce
pg. 4
CRNM Workshop
pg. 6
EXPO
pg. 8
Success Story
pg. 12
Customs Update
pg. 14
ILO Decent Work
pg. 16
On Friday 15th August, 2008, the Belize
Chamber of Commerce and Industry
along with the Rotary Club of Belize
hosted the First Ever Employer of the
Year ceremonies at the Belize Biltmore
Plaza Hotel.
ScotiaBank (Belize) Ltd walked off with
the Overall Best Employer Award. Awards
were also given in three other Categories:
Industry, Tourism and Conservation.
Citrus Products of Belize Ltd was chosen
as the Best Industry Employer. Ka’ana
Boutique Resort was chosen as the Best
Tourism Employer and Belize Recycling
Company was chosen as the Most Environmentally Conscious Employer. An
The Employer of the Year Competition was
launched in March of 2008 and employees
were encouraged to nominate their employers for the prestigious Paul J. Harris Award.
There were ten finalists in the competition
ScotiaBank (Belize) Ltd, Belize Telemedia
Ltd, Radisson Fort George Hotel, Grace Kennedy (Belize) Ltd, Citrus Products of Belize
Ltd, Courts (Belize) Ltd, Reimer’s Feed Mill,
Morgan & Morgan Trust Corp Belize, and
Ka’ana Boutique Resort.
For many of us the word “globalization” is merely a
buzzword, it hardly matters, for some of us it has become
cliché, for the proponents it is an inevitability of market
forces at work with many dynamic dimensions that has to
be guided by policies at both national and international
levels. But for many others, it will forever be a bone of
contention and a source of unending controversy. The
one thing we can almost all agree on is that economic
globalization for us is a reality, we either see the opportunities and embrace them, prepare for the impact of
intense worldwide competition, turn our weaknesses into
opportunities, or live with the woes of poverty and failure
that the forces of this phenomenon will impose on us.
As economic players in a much wider environment, we
cannot lose our identity or the significance of our output, however small.
In and of itself, economic globalization can be identified as the integration of
single or national economies into the international economy through trade, foreign
investment, capital flows, flows of technology, and migration or the international
free movement of workers and people.
With the recent crash of the international financial market and to touch on the
possible impact on our nation, I will attempt to put the issue of capital flows into
context. Besides the fact that the financial market is only one dimension of the
international economy, it is a significant one and when it plummets like it did
recently, the entire world economy goes ballistic. This is so simply because the
main players are the superpowers and the levels of capital finance
involved run
around Belize’s GDP in multiples; economies of small nations like ours, hinge on
the economic movements of these greater countries.
While critics of globalization would use this argument to dilute the benefits of
globalization and free trade, Jagdish Baghwati in his book “In defense of Globalization” says that “to throw beneficial trade out the window because financial flows
have caused a crisis is surely illogical.” He asserts that “The freeing of capital
flows in haste, without putting in place monitoring and
regulatory mechanisms and banking reforms, amounts
2008 - 2010
to a rash, gung-ho financial capitalism.” “It can put
nation-states at serious risk of experiencing massive,
Executive Council
Members
panic-fed outflows of short-term capital funds, which
Mr. Emile Mena
would drive their economies into a tailspin.”
Past President
Whether we are proponents of globalization or not,
Mr. Cecil Arnold
we
know only too well the need for monitoring and
V.P. Services
putting in regulatory mechanisms for the movement of
Ms. Kay Menzies
V.P. Commerce
capital, a lesson we learnt the hard way with our own
Mr. Israel Marin
mortgage securitization program. This is the program
V.P. Industry
which led to the demise of DFC and left us with a bill
Mr. Rene Blanco
that generations after us will have to pay. We also
Treasurer
Mrs. Celene-Cleland Gomez know that while this bad experience was not a result of
the free trade concept, it affected our economic situaSecretary
tion in the most serious of ways – a cash-strapped govCouncilors
ernment, high cost of goods due to duties and taxes,
Mrs. Corine Robinson Fuller
difficulty in being competitive due to high operating
Mr. Jose Alpuche
costs and high costs of raw materials and/or intermediMr. James Scott
ary products.
Mr. Salvador Espat III
Mr. John Bryon Bowman
In this same manner, the international financial crisis,
will additionally affect the way we trade and the way we live,
not because we were significant players in the financial market,
but more because our economy is so small and so dependent
on trade especially with the U.S.
We can expect these effects to manifest themselves in our
tourism industry, as U.S. and European travelers decide that
the cost of travel is just too high and with economic uncertainties it’s better to remain at home and keep the dollars where
they are. This will affect not only our inflows of U.S. dollars and
foreign exchange to pay foreign bills, but will threaten employment in the tourism industry as well as other industries as the
demand for both locally produced and imported goods reduces.
By extension, the efficiency and viability of both producers and
distributors will be tested. The implications are far-reaching.
The inflows of U.S. dollar and other foreign exchange gets a
double- whammy as we feel an additional cut in remittances
from Belizeans living in the U.S. Their depressed economic
situation will not allow them the opportunity to earn, much less
send funds home. Belizeans depending on these flows for
their survival will feel a crippling in their disposable income.
This again will cut the demand for both locally produced and
imported goods, suppressing the viability of these two sectors
(commercial and productive). More sordidly, Belizean Americans might find survival too difficult and decide to come home,
hiking up the number of unemployed. The opportunity here is
the possibility that these Belizean Americans have done well
for themselves and will bring home some form of capital
finance for investment here at home as well as intellectual
capital and creativity for new potential industries.
The hard-pressed economic situation in the U.S. could also
drastically reduce the demand for goods produced in Belize as
the focus remains on keeping their dollars on their own goods
and produce.
In areas where we may be able to identify potential opportunities for industries, the access to credit and capital financing
may be limited, let alone getting these at soft rates. Foreign
Direct Investments will also be reduced limiting possibilities for
diversification and the creation of new industries, making the
efforts to transform the lull in the economy more difficult.
This financial phenomenon can bring about an escalation in
crime everywhere, increasing the possibility of criminal
deportees to Belize, nurturing an already-ripe crime situation.
This will take a further toll on the economy as operational costs
for businesses increase even more.
And while I’m sure there are other implications and effects
that have not yet surfaced, in the same breath, we can find
opportunities in almost every one of these negative effects but
it will mean that we sleep with one eye open, one hand ready
to grab at the opportunity, and one foot already in gear to get
things moving! In other words, no time to sleep, economic
globalization is a reality, hardships and all!
October 20, 2008
FAREWELL
My time at the Chamber has come to an
end. It is amazing how these eleven years
have passed by so quickly. It seems like only
yesterday when it all began.
When I was given the opportunity to be the
then General Manager, the objectives at the
time were clear: achieve financial viability,
build financial sustainability, build the membership base, and expand the services to
members.
The emphasis at the time was to build financial sustainability back into the Chamber. At
the time, despite the great work of my predecessor who had
begun the reconstruction two years prior, the Chamber’s finances were in pretty bad shape. The banks saw us as high
risk, and the more than $200,000 debt and $400,000 of accumulated losses prevented us from borrowing for “breathing
space”.
But financial sustainability was not an end to itself. There
was a larger perspective, a strategy that if the Chamber became financially sustainable, it would be better able to represent the interests of the private sector in an effective manner.
Luckily, despite the financial problems of the past, the Belizean private sector saw a need for a strong and independent
private sector organization to represent its interests.
By 2002 we had made the sacrifices, paid off the long
term debt and began the process of bringing in better skilled
employees, address membership issues in a more effective
manner and more aggressively advocate on members behalf.
Among the most notable of our achievements over the past
eleven years, I think of the financial recovery, tax representations, governance issues, training for employers, technical
assistance, trade representation, purchasing of additional real
estate and the construction of a $2M dollar office complex.
This office complex will serve as the Chamber’s main office
located on Coney Drive which is the fastest growing commercial area of Belize City.
Probably the most serious situations we have
faced were those in 2005 and 2007. Those
were times when the Private Sector relied on
us to lead the sector through difficult times
brought about by public sector mismanagement and economic decay. The Chamber,
despite the wide spectrum of membership
views on how that situation was to be handled, responded in a manner that has had a
positive impact on governance.
As I leave, I encourage all to continue to
support your Chamber. It will be virtually impossible to please everyone all the time, but
the sum total of the Chamber’s efforts should
reflect a progression that is consistent with
the wider interest of the community.
a
There will be many serious issues confronting the private sector over the next several years. I see the proposed
solution to solve the Belize-Guatemala dispute by going to
the International Court of Justice as very serious and will
need to be managed right within the Chamber. All must
understand the implications of this course.
The Global financial crisis will not go away in a hurry.
Efforts must be made by the Chamber to have a sustained
dialogue with government with the objective of developing
a strategy to get the private sector through this critical time.
In sum, the Chamber needs to remain responsive to its
members’ needs and continue to represent the membership interests.
Thank you all for the support over the years. The Chamber is a great organization, let’s continue to give it the support needed to go into the future. Thank you all for the
opportunity to serve you. Farewell.
Kevin Herrera
CEO
As I’m writing this, the television is on in the background,
reporting nonstop on the economic meltdown of our
neighbor to the north, along
with that of several other
countries. The old tenet is
that when the U.S. sneezes,
the rest of us catch colds,
and it has never seemed
more true than in the past
few weeks.
For Belize, things have been getting rougher for
some time now, with rising food and fuel prices, a
weak U.S. dollar making such European purchases
as powdered milk more expensive than ever, with so
many other problems that are out of our control.
Somewhere in all the chatter, the news anchors find
a moment or two to speculate on the falling oil prices,
but even then it doesn’t translate to good news at our
pumps. Whatever the causes, these are storms that
we have to find ways to weather because that’s all
we can do. However, many other problems, of the
kind we can at least try to control, are deterring our
development when we can least afford it. Two of
these problems, from a trade perspective, are high
on a lengthy list of the major costs of doing business:
taxation and security.
The topic of contraband has recently come to the
fore, but the effect that it (along with its twin siblings
of under-invoicing and tax evasion) has on the economy is still not fully understood. When only a few
businesses are paying the tax bills for many others,
the possibility of lost jobs becomes reality, and as the
snowball gathers speed, more business will pay less
tax, through loss of sales if for no other reason. It is
therefore an absolute necessity that a level playing
field be created in order for businesses, especially
fragile small businesses, to be able to compete and
to keep our dollars at home instead of sending them
across the border.
And in the face of rising crime, many businesses
have to divert hard-earned funds from other endeavours such as capital expenditure, increased jobs (and
higher pay) –and yes, donations, into more and yet
more security protection measures such as guards,
cameras, armored vehicles. Yes, there are those
making a living, even thriving through provision of
these services, but for the most part, these are not
investments that help the average business to grow.
The reduction of crime levels, therefore, is imperative
for the creation of a successful business environment.
In the past months, the Chamber has been working
steadily on projects related to getting these two major
costs reduced. It would no doubt be nice to see our
taxes reduced to more competitive levels so that
shoppers can stretch their dollars at home, but part
of making that happen is for evaders to begin paying
their fair share toward the economy’s development.
Likewise, the reduction of crime begins with all of us
making individual and coordinated efforts to fight it in
whatever realistic ways we can. In all of these
efforts, we need your support in order to make our
ideas work for you.
In the near-term, economic issues will continue to
affect our lives and our business performance. What
we as businesspeople do about it right now will
determine how our country survives –and thrivesover the long term.
The First Ever Employer of the Year
(cont. from the cover)
The sponsors for the night’s event were Belize Tourism Board, Protected Areas Conservations Trust, Belize Biltmore Plaza
Hotel, The Rotary Club of Belize, Raul Villanueva and the Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
All proceeds from the Awards Ceremony will be donated to Youth Business Trust Belize, an IADB funded program offering
young persons between the ages of 18 and 35 assistance in starting their own businesses. The program offers loan financing,
training and the valued component, mentoring, which guides the young persons’ businesses on the road to success.
The Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Congratulates the Radisson
The Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry would like to congratulate the Radisson Fort George Hotel & Marina for its
decision to discontinue using plastic disposables and embracing biodegradables as the replacement. The earth is in peril
and we must all do our part in operating as responsible corporate citizens.
The BCCI Congratulates the Radisson for this visionary decision.
Interactive Trade
Negotiations
Workshop -“Profiting from
Trade Negotiations”
available under regional integration and international trade
and learnt how to draft effective position papers on trade
issues that will impact their ability to do business.
Reading materials and
supporting documents
were provided at the
workshop. If you are
interested in having
copies of these, kindly
send us your e-mail
and post mail address
to bcci@btl.net or call
us a 227-3148 and we
Who Can Help?
On Tuesday, September 30th and Wednesday, October
1st, 2008, the Caribbean Regional Negotiating Machinery
in partnership with the Belize Chamber of Commerce and
Industry held a two day private sector trade workshop at
the Radisson Fort George Hotel.
The workshop started on Tuesday with presentations by
Mrs. Monique Jackman who spoke on Trade Facilitation
and in the afternoon Mr. Lincoln Price, Private Sector
Liaison from CRNM updated stakeholders on Trade Negotiations: Strategic Business Considerations. On Wednesday Mrs. Ayanna Young Marshall, Consultant, presented
on Services (including tourism and creative industries) and
Mrs. Shantal Munro-Knight, Consultant, concluded with a
discussion on the Market Access for Farmers and Manufacturers.
Belize-based
businesses and
private sector
associations in
attendance were
able to find out
more about potential business
opportunities
Dr. Kenneth Harvey and Mr. Jerome Singh from the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) in coordination with the
Caribbean Technological Consultancy Services (CTCS) held
a meeting with members of the Chamber and young entrepreneurs from Youth Business Trust Belize on Thursday
August 28th, 2008 at the Belize Biltmore Plaza. The purpose
of their visit was to identify the needs for technical assistance
and services by Belize's Private Sector.
CTCS, in cooperation with regional and national institutions,
laboratories, industrial enterprises and consultants, contributes to the strengthening of private sector capabilities by linking people who have businesses and technical experience
with businesses that need consulting advice and assistance.
CTCS Network helps to solve planning and production
problems quickly by providing Caribbean expertise at an
affordable cost. Anyone resident in CDB’s Borrowing Member
Countries can apply for Assistance of which Belize is a
Borrowing Member Country.
Some of the Services offered by the CTCS:
Practical, on-the-spot assistance to operations having
problems in production, accounting and overall organization and management.
Assistance in project planning, appraisal and
implementation
(continued on page 18)
17,000 Strong
EXPO 2008
Approximately 17, 000 people, 5000 more visitors than
last year, attended the 12th
Annual EXPO 2008 Belize
Trade Show held this past
Saturday, September 13,
2008 and Sunday, September 14, 2008 at the SJC Gym
on Princess Margaret Drive
in Belize City.
This year’s show had 88
businesses
participating
with a total of 135 different
displays in various sectors –
service, merchandizing, and
manufacturing. The company that won for the “Best
Appearance” this year was
the Belize Bank, while
Traveller’s won for “Best in
Teamwork”, and Grace Kennedy Belize Ltd. won the big
prize for Best Overall booth.
Due
to
an
aggressive
marketing campaign, this
year the BCCI had to create
15 extra booths to meet the
increased
demand
from
businesses that wanted to
participate and even with
this addition, demand still
exceeded supply.
Companies that donated
gate prizes this year are
Continental Airlines, Xanadu
Hotel, Tropic Air, JL’s, Chaa
Creek
Lodge,
Dave’s
Furniture
World,
Courts
Belize Limited, Oltsil Spa,
the Angelus Press Ltd.,
Scotia
Bank,
and
the
Radisson Fort George Hotel.
This year, entertainment
was provided by the Youth
Connection Band and Bern.
Companies that sponsored
this
year’s
EXPO
are:
SMART, Habet & Habet,
Brother’s Habet, the Angelus
Press, Blue Sky Belize Ltd.,
Grace Kennedy Belize Ltd.,
Social
Security
Board,
Caribbean Tire Wholesale
Ltd., Citrus Products of
Belize Ltd., Love FM, Krem
Radio,
Integrity
Radio,
Western Union, and the
Bowen & Bowen Group of
Companies.
The BCCI would like to
thank all the participants
and the general public for
making this year’s EXPO
Belize Trade Show a great
success!
BCCI Invites you to advertise in the “Business Perspective”
Opportunity
As you can see, the Perspective highlights valuable trade and investment info to BCCI’s
membership on a quarterly basis. It is delivered around the country directly into the hands of
400 plus top executives who make key decisions.
Full Page ad (b&w)
1/2 page (b&w)
1/4 Page (b&w)
Full Page (colour)
1/2 Page (colour)
Members
$250.00
$175.00
$150.00
$375.00
$250.00
Non Members
$350.00
$225.00
$175.00
$425.00
$300.00
Discounts available for commitment to 4 plus ads of same value in consecutive issues.
Advertise with us today!!!
PLEASE FILL OUT THE FORM AND FAX, E-MAIL OR DELIVER TO:
BELIZE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY OFFICE
63 REGENT STREET, BELIZE CITY on or before November 27th, 2008
Raffle Date: November 27th, 2008 at 5:00 p.m.
Fax number: 227-4984 E-MAIL: bcci@btl.net
NAME: ______________________________
ORGANIZATION _____________________
ADDRESS: ___________________________
PHONE NUMBER: ____________________
REAL ESTATE & INVESMENT OPPORTUNITIES
14 YEARS OF LOCAL EXPERIENCE
FULL SERVICE o FULL DISCLOSURE
OUR MISSION: THE FRIENDSHIP OF THOSE WE SERVE IS THE FOUNDATION OF OUR PROGRES
AND SUCCESS. WE ARE READY TO HELP YOU LOCALLY AND MAKE YOUR REAL ESTATE RELOCATION HASSLE FREE
LINCOLN EILEY – OWNER/BROKER
Lincoln Eiley - Owner/Broker - Grew up on the beautiful island of Ambergris Caye with many wonderful people. Also
served in the official capacity as the first Town Administrator for the Town of San Pedro from 1985-1993. Presently
serving in my honorary role as a Justice of the Peace and keeping my spirits in many sporting activities in my community. I recently assisted in raising monies for the construction of the new "Rafael Angel Sports Stadium" which is located at the San Pedro High School grounds on Ambergris Caye. I am a strong advocate in equal opportunities for all
and a strong lobbyist to raising the sub-standard living of my fellow
islanders in keeping the island safe for all residents and visitors. I bring you hands on service for all your real estate needs in Belize.
Corozal Bayside Realty is located in the Corozal District of Northern Belize
bordering the city of Chetumal in Quintana Roo, Mexico and is an affiliate
company of Triton Properties Realty located on beautiful Ambergris Caye. We
specialize in offering prime beachfront parcels for sale, residential, commercial, land and income real estate property, acreages in the local area of Four
Mile Lagoon, Consejo, Sarteneja, Copper Bank, Chunox and Progresso, and
the rest of northern Belize. We work very closely with real estate agents
throughout Belize to remain informed of properties that are not advertised for
sale and investment opportunities and welcome your special property requests. In all of Central America and the Caribbean, no where can property at
such incredible prices can be found that offers the "Quality of Life" like real
estate in Belize.
OUR SERVICES:
x We will promote your property with the entire sales force at Corozal Bayside Realty throughout the United States,
Europe and the Americas.
x Our Corporate advertising budget is one of the best in the Belize real estate community.
x Your property will be promoted via the Corozal Bayside Realty and can be featured on our Home Page, potentially
reaching millions of people around the world.
x Through a system of co-brokerage, we will market your property to United States brokerage community, cordially
inviting other firms to part in the sale of your property.
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
Corozal Bayside Realty will also promote your property at our walk-in Gallery. This Gallery is solely dedicated to the
display and marketing of our exclusive listing. It not only attracts the domestic buyer, but also insure daily visits to
your listing.
Our advertisements can be found in top national and international magazines, Belize Destination, Magnum Belize,
HOT and among other newspapers and publications.
If appropriate, we will create a brochure for your property. It is produced by our in-house advertising agency and can
enhance the sole ability of a property with our beautiful photographs and professional presentation.
Your property can be promoted via direct postal mail and email to our targeted network of all national companies
and to major area corporations.
We will avail ourselves to coordinate all activity regarding the marketing of your home. We will act as the conduit for
appointments and scheduling details.
We will maintain a list of all potential purchasers and real estate brokers who have viewed your property. We will
report to as often as you would like on showings, customer feedback and potential interest.
We will present all offers to you and will work with you to complete the best possible deal for the sale of your home.
You can depend on us to qualify any and all prospective purchasers. We will use our negotiating skills to obtain the
best price that the property will command.
We will furnish all potential buyers with all pertinent information and documents regarding your property.
We will coordinate all inspections; work with attorneys, appraisers, surveyors and mortgage lenders on your behalf.
OTHER SERVICES:
Property valuation and appraisal for presentation to banks and lending agencies.
Site inspections.
Construction management and construction supervision.
To name just some of the areas that make owning property in Belize so attractive are that foreigners can own real estate
with no qualifications and it is an English speaking, British Commonwealth country with a most stable government and
growing economy. The cost of living is very inexpensive and excellent retirement advantages are offered. For the sports
enthusiasts, we have world class fishing and diving off the Cayes. We render the best diving and the longest Barrier
Reef in the Western Hemisphere and is second best to only the Great Barrier Reef in "Down Under" Australia.
Belize is a tax shelter haven. There are no capital gains or inheritance tax and property taxes are very low at 1% of the
assessed value of undeveloped land. Taxes on a $6,000 parcel can be as low as only $60 per year. Titles are Fee Simple with very low closing costs and there are no hidden fees. Stamp Duty is 5% of the purchase price. General Sales Tax
applies in some cases. This is paid at closing to the Government of Belize.
Belize is the naturalists' paradise with its incredible old growth, rain forests, flora and fauna, rivers, cave systems and
ancient Mayan pyramids. Belize is where Mayan and modern culture blend.
Corozal Bayside Realty is your local "Belize Connection" in purchasing property in paradise. We maintain that personal
touch from your initial contact through the title transfer of your new property, working closely with the land office, local
surveyors and attorneys who specialize in real estate. We research all properties to insure clear title prior to proceeding
with any transaction.
P.O.Box 275
Corner of 1st Avenue & 2nd Street North
Corozal Town
Corozal District
Belize, Western Caribbean
Tel: ( ) 501-422-0002; Cellular: ( ) 501-624-3300; Fax: ( ) 501-422-0003
Email: info@corozalrealty.com
Website: www.corozalrealty.com
“Prince’s Youth Business
International accredits Youth
Business Trust Belize”
The Youth Business Trust Belize (YBTB) is pleased to announce that the Prince’s Youth Business International (PYBI)
has conducted and finalized the review and assessment of
YBTB and hereby declares that YBTB is compliant with all the
rules and regulations for being accepted into the Global Network. The programme’s accreditation is valid until 2011. The
first meeting as an accredited trust with the network takes place
in Edinburgh Scotland, November 3-8th.
The Youth Business Trust Belize is a non-profit network programme of Youth Business International (YBI), a programme of
The Prince of Wales’ International Business Leaders Forum,
which helps disadvantaged young people who are seeking to
become entrepreneurs with enterprise assistance such as business mentoring and access to finance. The network is 40 countries working together to solve the plague of youth unemployment in their respective countries.
While in Belize in June, accrediting assessor from Challenges
International met with and visited on site with entrepreneurs,
mentors, partners, Board of Patrons, Board of Directors and
staff to ensure that YBTB was using the PYBI model for its
micro financing program, which is inclusive of business support
services and training for young persons 18-35 who would not
otherwise have access to loans.
According to the 2006 Human Development Index, published
by the United Nations Development Programme, over half of
the population (52%) is under the age of 19 and over 60% is
under the age of 30. Approximately 108,000 persons participate
in the labour market in Belize and the average wage is $4000
USD per annum: 55% of those persons work in the service
sector, 27% in agriculture, and 18% in industry; nevertheless,
youth unemployment remains an increasingly challenging
issue. The unemployment rate is 11.6% (with male unemployment at 8.3% and female employment at 17.4%). Youth unemployment in Belize has increased from 16.1% in 1990 to 21.8%
in 2003 and 21.3% in 2005. Unemployment for females
aged 16 – 24 years is twice that of their Belizean male
counterparts and youth unemployment accounts for over
55% of the unemployed labour force.
The Youth Business Trust Belize is now the only local economic development initiative in Belize that focuses on
young persons that have a business idea and links them to
enterprise development assistance, business mentors, and
micro-financing to develop micro-enterprises in a single
package. “We aim to help our young people to create
jobs by becoming self-employed with the long-term
intention that these businesses will generate future
jobs for others. Accreditation means that we have
proven ourselves to be transparent, accountable and
able to access best practice information and funding
by being part of the network” says Project Director
Dionne Miranda.
The mentors provide the entrepreneurs with the business
support much needed to ensure the success of the business including: Business Plan Development, Pro Bono
advice (Accounting, Legal, Marketing, Finance), Business
Skills Training, Networking Opportunities and Product Promotion.
Customs Special Meeting
The Customs Department had a special meeting on Thursday October 9th, 2008 starting from 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. at
the Customs Conference Room to discuss new procedure
that will be implemented in the near future.
Speakers were Mr. Collin Griffith (Collector Examination
and Valuation) and Mr. Thomas Young (Collector of
Invoice) from Customs, Mr. Reinaldo Guerrero (CEO) from
the Port of Belize Limited and Mr. Israel Pech, (Officer)
from BAHA.
This meeting was very important and vital to the professional field of Custom Brokers and Stakeholders.
Caribbean Wellness Day
Belize like other countries of the Caribbean is experiencing
an unprecedented increase in the prevalence of obesity
and related chronic non-communicable diseases such as
diabetes, hypertension, cancer and heart disease. In an
effort to jointly address this regional problem, Caribbean
leaders got together in September of 2007 in Port of Spain,
Trinidad and agreed on a strategy to reduce the burden of
these diseases.
and the Pan American Health Organization and to other associates as the Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Belize
Diabetes Association, National Sports Council and Youth for
the Future.
Winner of Gift Basket Courtesy
Grace Kennedy Belize Ltd.
Coming out of this historic summit was the Port of Spain
Declaration, which calls for a series of actions including
establishment of coordination mechanisms, legislation, tax
measures, development of relevant policies, and specific
focus on nutrition and physical activity. This Declaration is
being closely monitored and a reporting instrument has
been developed to allow countries to report on progress
being made in respect of commitments made by their Governments at the summit.
One specific commitment in the Port of Spain Declaration
was the establishment of Caribbean Wellness Day to be
celebrated every second Saturday in September in commemoration of the summit. Countries would utilize the day
to focus on physical activities and other wellness initiatives
with a view to making them regular programs.
Belize celebrated its Caribbean Wellness Day on Saturday
September 13th, 2008. The activity for the day was a Family Fun Walk and 10 K Run which commenced from 6:00
a.m. in front of the Marion Jones Stadium. In addition, at
Expo 2008, there was a booth housing all sorts of wellness
themes and activities. At the booth nurses were right on
hand offering free blood pressure, sugar, height and weight
checks. The Nurses were well prepared to give referrals if
needed. Information packages were distributed to each
individual who visited the booth and made use of the services.
A big THANK YOU to Lead Partners in this initiative: The
Ministry of Health (HECOPAB), the National Sports Council
In our prior Business Perspective, August 2008 Issue, readers
had a chance to win a Gift Basket courtesy Grace Kennedy
Belize Ltd. On September 24th, the raffle was drawn and we
are pleased to announce that the winner is Ms. Rosario Iraseni
Chi from the Villas at Banyan Bay.
Congratulations to Ms. Chi from Management and staff of the
Chamber!!! For a chance to win a prize, look for coupons in
every issue of our Business Perspective.
CUSTOMS TID BITS
If you are an authorized agent:
Write Letter to the Comptroller of Customs
notifying him that you are the authorized
agent for a particular good.
Comptroller will pass the information to the
valuation Department
If Valuation Department comes across anything suspicious and know that a business
has the legal authority to act, they will notify
the business.
ILO Decent Work Country
Programme
Tripartite representatives of the English and Dutch Speaking Caribbean met in Barbados in October 2006 at the ILO Tripartite
Caribbean Employment Forum. The representatives at that forum agreed to formulate Decent Work Country Programmes
(DWCP) that would advance Decent Work priorities in national development agendas. The DWCP would be the vehicle through
which the ILO will deliver technical cooperation to member countries.
In this respect the ILO is requesting Belize to select two or three priority areas that the ILO can provide support to Belize in.
The following were identified by the tripartite constituents at the forum as priority issues of concern for ILO assistance:
x
x
x
x
x
x
Review of Labour Legislation, including Harmonization.
Improvement of skills development and employability, particularly with respect to youth and women.
Formalization of informal economy
Development of the Labour Market Information System
Institutional Strengthening of the social partners; and
Management of Migrant Workers
Records and Information
Management Training
Forty four persons, members and non-members of the Chamber, were sensitized at the
Records and Information Management Training on October 8th, 2008 at the Coastal Zone
Management Training Room.
Trainer was Ms. Karen Jones, Acting Records Officer 1 from the Belize Archives & Records
Service. This training was geared towards the value of proper record keeping and implementing guidelines and procedures to improve employers’ current records management system for improved transparency, accountability, efficiency and effectiveness.
Subjects covered were the following:
x Introduction to Principles of Records Management/components of an Integrated
Records and Information Programme
x Users and Types of Records
x Business System Analysis/ File Classification
Forms Management
This training allowed for a detailed and understandable breakdown of filing techniques and an
interactive discussion of what other companies were doing and how the gap could be filled.
Professional Etiquette Training
In improving the quality of work life for our members’ organizations, the Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry organized a Training entitled: “Professional Etiquette” on 30th July at the Princess Hotel & Casino.
Ms. Mapye Smith, Licensed Cosmetologist from the Hair Design Institute in New York facilitated this training. Ms. Smith is an
Education curriculum developer in the field of Cosmetology and Dress for Success.
This session endorsed that employees should conduct themselves in a fair manner and should bring better qualities and
mannerism to the workplace to contribute to a harmonious atmosphere. Ms. Mapye also outlined office rules and courtesies
that should be followed along with a little humility.
Other tips were: the clothes we wear and the way we groom ourselves represent how we choose to present ourselves to
others and reflect the importance we attach to the occasion; and the principles of respect and consideration for others plus a
healthy dose of common sense should underlie all dress and grooming decisions. She concluded with the appropriate attire
for both men and women and the importance for dressing for the occasion.
At the end, the Chamber was confident that participants’ personal and organization’s effectiveness, performance and transformation would be enhanced.
HIV and AIDS in the Workplace
4,000
employees
with
behaviour
change programmes
Data from the Ministry of Health indicates that HIV continues to be an issue of major concern to Belize’s work-
during
the
three
force. The population most affected is between 15 and 49
year period and was
years which forms the core of Belize working population. In
strongly supported
an effort to take a proactive approach to this problem, the
by the Ministry of
Ministry of Labour has since 2003 been supporting interven-
Labour (MOL).
tions in the workplace geared towards mitigating the impact
In 2007, the Ministry
of HIV and AIDS on Belize’s workforce.
of Labour
as-
In 2003, the U.S. Department of Labor awarded a four-
sumed full responsi-
year grant to the International Labour Organization (ILO) to
bility for the project
implement global HIV & AIDS Education in the Workplace
and continued to
programmes. As a component of this program, ILO began a
engage the enter-
three-year HIV & AIDS Workplace Education Project in Be-
prises that were supported by the ILO/USDOL project. A
lize in 2003. The overall goal of the project was to contrib-
focal point was appointed to ensure continuity of the
ute to a
reduction of HIV infection among the workforce.
programmes commenced under the ILO. The MOL con-
The project saw the participation of 18 enterprises from the
tinues to identify ways to expand workplace pro-
Agriculture, Tourism and Service sectors and reached over
grammes to additional workplaces to ensure that the
majority of workers are reached.
Through donor funds from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA); PAHO; and the National AIDS
Commission; the Ministry of Labour has been doing extensive work in local workplaces. The most recent activity was a project funded by UNFPA which targeted the
Tourism Sector. Five (5) resorts in the Cayo District
were selected: Blancaneaux, Chaa Creek Resort, Ka’ana
Boutique Resort, Cahal Pech and Five Sisters Lodge.
These establishments nominated Focal Point HIV
persons and Peer Educators. All these persons at-
tended Focal Point training, a Behaviour Change Communication Training and a Peer Education Training. Some of the
areas covered during these sessions included Workplace Policy Development; Understanding why HIV and IDS was a
workplace Issue, and Understanding Behaviour Change Communication (BCC).
From these very educational sessions four (4) or the five (5) resorts developed and endorsed their workplace policies.
Cahal Pech Resort is currently working on finalizing their policy. To date all the workplaces have commenced the internal training of staff on related HIV and AIDS matters.
The Ministry is currently partnering up with the Belize Chamber of Commerce of Industry to work with an additional
ten (10) companies for a short term project. The BCCI has been very instrumental in the identification of these organizations and work is scheduled to commence as soon as all the companies are engaged. Any private sector organization
who may wish to develop a workplace HIV and AIDS policy; and be a part of the HIV and AIDS initiatives of the Ministry
of Labour may contact the following: Hertha Gentle- Senior Labour Officer- Labour Department Belize City Branch – 227
-6214/6209 – email: labour_industrialpeace@yahoo.com.
5 Essential Health Tips
(The Basics to
Practice Every Day)
"He who has health has hope, and he who has hope
has everything." -Arabian Proverb
1. Move More
Make it a daily challenge to find ways to move your
body. Climb stairs if given a choice between that and
escalators or elevators. Walk your dog; chase your
kids; toss balls with friends, mow the lawn. Anything
that moves your limbs is not only a fitness tool, it's a
stress buster. Think 'move' in small increments of time.
It doesn't have to be an hour in the gym or a 45-minute
aerobic dance class or tai chi or kickboxing. But that's
great when you're up to it. Meanwhile, move more.
Thought for the day: Cha, Cha, Cha…. Then do it!
2. Cut Fat
Avoid the obvious such as fried foods, burgers and
other fatty meats (i.e. pork, bacon, ham, salami, ribs
and sausage). Dairy products such as cheese, cottage
cheese, milk and cream should be eaten in low fat versions. Nuts and sandwich meats, mayonnaise, margarine, butter and sauces should be eaten in limited
amounts. Most are available in lower fat versions such
as substitute butter, fat free cheeses and mayonnaise.
Thought for the day: Lean, mean, fat-burning
machine…. Then be one!
3. Quit Smoking
The jury is definitely in on this verdict. Ever since 1960
when the Surgeon General announced that smoking
was harmful to your health, Americans have been
reducing their use of tobacco products that kill. Just
recently, we've seen a surge in smoking in adolescents
and teens. Could it be the Hollywood influence? It
seems the stars in every movie of late smoke cigarettes. Beware. Warn your children of the false
romance or 'tough guy' stance of Hollywood smokers.
Thought for the day: Give up just one cigarette…. the
next one.
4. Reduce Stress
Easier said than done, stress busters come in many
forms. Some techniques recommended by experts are
to think positive thoughts. Spend 30 minutes a day do-
ing something you like. (i.e.,Soak in a hot tub; walk on the
beach or in a park; read a good book; visit a friend; play with
your dog; listen to soothing music; watch a funny movie. Get a
massage, a facial or a haircut. Meditate. Count to ten before
losing your temper or getting aggravated. Avoid difficult people
when possible. Thought for the day: When seeing red, think
pink clouds….then float on them.
5. Protect Yourself from Pollution
If you can't live in a smog-free environment, at least avoid
smoke-filled rooms, high traffic areas, breathing in highway
fumes and exercising near busy thoroughfares. Exercise outside when the smog rating is low. Exercise indoors in air conditioning when air quality is good. Plant lots of shrubbery in your
yard. It's a good pollution and dirt from the street deterrent.
Thought for the day: 'Smoke gets in your eyes'…and your
mouth, and your nose and your lungs as do pollutants….hum
the tune daily.
Who Can Help?
(Continued from page 6)
Assistance in selection of machinery and equipment,
and identification of their suppliers.
Assistance in layout and production flow
Assistance in staff training in all disciplines, and
quality control applications.
Assistance in design and implementation of computerized systems and marketing activities.
Assistance in developing Preventative Maintenance
Programmes and General Maintenance.
Technical Assistance through Regional and National
Seminars and Workshops on vital subjects.
Application forms for Technical Assistance can be obtained at the
Chamber’s office on 63 Regent Street or e-mail
ctcs@caribank.org
ANTHONY THURTON & ASSOCIATES LTD.
#57 Southern Foreshore
Belize City
Tel: 227-2529
Fax: 227-2539
Cell: 670-0076
E-mail: thurtonasc@btl.net
Website: www.thurton.com
Contact: Deborah Thurton - Smith
Description of Company: Provides Architectual and Engineering
Services.
ARCHITECTORAL ACCENTS LTD.
899 Yellowtail Snapper Drive
Vista Del Mar
Ladyville
Belize City
Tel: 501-610-3655
Fax: 501-225-3133
E-mail: sales@architectoralaccents.bz
Website: www.architectoralaccents.bz
Contact: Jeremy Wilken
Description of Company: Manufacture Granite Counter, Decorative Wrought Iron and Woodworking.
BELIZE CANCER SOCIETY
2625 Mercy Lane
Belize City, Belize
Tel: 223-0922
Fax: 223-0922
E-mail: belizecancersociety@gmail.com
Contact: Dr. Alba Mendez Sosa
Cell: 610-3098
Description of Company: We educate the public in relation to
different kinds of cancer, provide health services, etc…
BELIZE HEALTHCARE PARTNERS LIMITED
Corner Blue Marlin & Chancellor Avenues
Belize City
Tel: 501-223-7870; 223-7873
Fax: 501-223-7876
E-mail: bhp@belizehealthcare.com
Website: www.belizehealthcare.com
Contact: Muthugounder Venugapol
Description of Company: Medical/Specialty hospital with clinic,
laboratory, pharmacy, diagnostic services. BHPL also operates
a NHI clinic on the south side of Belize City.
DAVE’S FURNITURE WORLD LTD.
Cor. Basra & Tigris St.
Belize City
Belize
Tel: 501-227-6474
Fax: 501-227-5312
E-mail: lelhabet@hotmail.com
Contact: Lalani Habet
Description of Company: Produce customized home, office and
dining furniture.
DELNOX CONSTRUCTION
17th Farmers Market
Belize City
Tel: 501-203-2918; 622-9080
E-mail: delnox23@yahoo.com
Contact: Delphin Garnett
Description of Company: Waterproofing systems - Roofs, Walls,
Leaks, Water tanks, etc….
DER SHYNG COMPANY LTD.
5757 Princess Margaret Drive
Belize City
Tel: 224-5925
Fax: 224-5920
E-mail: jc5757@hotmail.com
Contact: Jenny Chen
Description: Advertisement Design, Light Sight, Printing Banners
GADGETS
4552 Youth for the Future Drive
Belize City
Tel: 501-227-0384
E-mail: gadgetsbelize@hotmail.com
Contact: Bassem Chakaroun
Description of Company: We sell and fix Computers, and also
for sale are games, cameras, cell phones, DVD’s.
GENERAL TECHNOLOGIES OF BELIZE
#24 Albert Street
Belize City
Tel: 501-227-0565
Fax: 501-227-0565
Cell: 501-625-1070
E-mail: sokeke1@yahoo.com
Website: www.walkingstickarts.com
Contact: Stephen Okeke
Description of Company: Import, Export, Manufacturing, Consulting of General Merchandise and Services
GO WIRELESS DIRECT
P.O. Box 290
#1 Ricalde Street
Corozal Town
Belize
Tel: 501-422-0434
Fax: 501-402-0090
E-mail: gowirelessdirect@yahoo.com
Website: www.gowirelessdirect.com
Contact: Vicky Thadhani
Description of Company: We wholesale cell phones/ digital
cameras/MP4/IPODS, etc…
INTERSPACE AIRPORT ADVERTISING INT’L LLC
I South Street
P.O. Box 251
Belize City, Belize
OR
4635 Crackers Port Road
Alrentown, Pennsylvania, U.S.A
Zip Code 18104
Tel: 501-225-3488 ext 394; 001-610-395-8002 Ext 394
Fax: 001-610-395-4450 / 001-610-395-8739
E-mail: Hmiller@iaateam.com; Hvazquez@iaateam.com
Website: www.iaateam.com
Contact: Howard Miller/ Hector Vazquez
Description of Company: Advertising
QUAN’S TRADING CENTER
8th Cor Orange & West Canal St.
Belize City
Tel: 501-227-5774 / 222-5013
Fax: 501-227-2203/ 222-4200
E-mail: quantrad@gmail.com; quantrade@btl.net
Contact: Edmund Kwan
Description of Company: Importer/Distributor of Bicycles/ Motorcycles and related parts
TRIPLE “A” IMPORTS
Barrack Street
P.O. Box 91
Orange Walk District
Belize
Tel: 501-322-0520
Fax: 501-322-3827
E-mail: tripleaimports@yahoo.com
Contact: Amir Carrillo/Ramon Cervantes
Description of Company: Distributors of Naturas Nectars, Bocadel Snacks, Horchata “La Deliciosa” among other companies
from Mexico and Central America.
VASQUEZ FURNITURE
#9 Colonial Street
San Ignacio Town
Cayo District
Belize
Tel: 501-824-3389 or 501-601-4548
E-mail: josevasquezbz@yahoo.com
Contact: Jose Alberto Vasquez
Description of Company: Small Business providing custom made
furniture to customers.
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