Disasters, Conflicts and Migration

For a more detailed database on disasters by country, please see the 

Seasonal Effects on Logistics Capacities

The hurricane season normally starts on 1 June and ends on 30 November, though this varies by region - it begins in early May in Toledo and early June in Corozal. Historically, most hurricanes occur between August and October in Belize. Hurricanes form over a period of several days and even weeks. The path of the storm is tracked and predicted using the latest technology, which enables the areas to be affected ample time to prepare for the storm. Thanks to NEMO (National Emergency Management Organization), Belize has a thorough emergency plan ready to be enacted in the event of a hurricane.

It is difficult to predict how the storage and handling services will be affected by changes in weather patterns due to the reality of climate change. Not only have we seen a marked difference in the length of wet and dry seasons and when they occured during the year, but also we are noticing a more extreme weather behaviour in terms of flooding and drought with difficult to predict long term-effects of increasing average temperatures. 

The rainy season is determined by the first time after the 1^st of May in when there is more than an inch of rainfall in seven days with at least four days receiving some rainfall. The southern region has the most rainfall with a mean of 160 inches (4064 mm) per year; July is by far the wettest month there. In the central region are primary and secondary maxima occurring in June and September. Each of these is significantly less than the single maximum for the south. Data for the northern region show that rainfall is usually much less than the other regions; the annual mean there is only 60 inches (152 mm).

Capacity and Contacts for In-Country Emergency Response

Government

NEMO in cooperation with the respective Emergency Management Committees, and all Public and Private Agencies, is established to preserve life and property throughout the country of Belize in the event of an emergency and to mitigate the impact on the country and its people. The composition of NEMO comprises the Cabinet, with the Prime Minister as the Chairperson, the Cabinet Secretary, as Secretary, the NEMO Secretariat and the 13 Operational Committees (chaired by Permanent Secretaries).

The thirteen Operational Committees are as follows: Education, Communication and Warning, Medical & Public Health, Housing and Shelter, Search & Rescue, Economic & Recovery, Damage Assessment & Needs Analysis, Foreign Assistance, Transport & Evacuation, Environment & Utilities, Human Resources Management, Relief & Supplies Management, Restoration of Utilities and Mitigation, Access & Infrastructure. The other permanent members are the Belize Red Cross, the Belize Teachers Union, the Chief Meteorological Officer, the Commandant BDF and the Commissioner of Police. Integral to NEMO are its 9 District Emergency Committees (chaired by the senior Minister in each District) representing Belize, Corozal, Orange Walk, Cayo, Stann Creek, Toledo, Belmopan, San Pedro and Caye Caulker.

For more information on government contact details, please see the following link: 4.1 Belize Government Contact List

Humanitarian Community 

Listed below are the main humanitarian agencies conducting activities in Belize as well as their main projects.

Belize Red Cross

Belize Red Cross works within the International Red Cross Federation's Strategy 2020, which aims to save lives and strengthen recovery from disasters, and crises, enable safer and healthy living, and make better provision for marginalized people, promote social inclusion and contribute towards peace. Through its Disaster Management work, BRC employs its Community Disaster Response Teams to work with the National Emergency Management Operation (NEMO) and National Intervention Teams. In addition, BRC identifies and implements new approaches to community involvement in disaster management in community-based health first aid. It also has courses and training on prevention with respect to communicable diseases. As auxiliary to the Government of Belize in all humanitarian aspects, the Belize Red Cross fills the gaps in the National Systems and Action Plans.

BERT Belize Emergency Response Team

Belize Emergency Response Team (BERT) is a non-profit, non-governmental organization. BERT specializes in pre-hospital care in the form of emergency response and transportation. It is the only qualified provider in the country.

Pickstock Development Association

The Association was formed in 2008 to bring the community together to address crime, poverty and underdevelopment. The work is divided in three categories. Firstly, it owns and manages The Samuel Haynes Institute of Excellence. This Institute was established because of the community's desire for a safe space for their children to play, learn and catch up with their peers in education and development. Secondly, the Association engages the community in a deliberate process of consultation on development issues including priority social and infrastructural interventions, many of which have already brought some immediate relief to the neediest in the community. Thirdly, the Association provides opportunities for those in the community most at risk to engage in entrepreneurial, health and nutrition activities in an effort to improve their standards of living.

Bandage International

Bandage International is a group of emergency medicine professionals: paramedics, nurses and doctors, committed to teaching emergency health responders in developing countries. Their mission is to improve safety by guaranteeing primary emergency medical care. Current projects involve the improvementof the training of layperson first responders and professional emergency medical caregivers to improve the safety of the people.

For more information on humanitarian agency contact details, please see the following link: 4.2 Belize Humanitarian Agency Contact List

The Belize Bureau of Standards is the premier service institution for standards and quality. Their mission is to facilitate, promote and encourage the use of quality services in metrology, standardization and conformity assessment thereby contributing to competitiveness of goods and services, facilitation of trade and the protection of consumers. The Belize Bureau of Standards shall provide internationally recognized services for domestic production and export markets. As an agent for trade facilitation, will therefore provide the highest professional services to satisfy the expectations, needs and demands of the people in Belize. 

http://www.bbs.gov.bz 

The Income Tax Department headquarters is located at the Charles Bartlett Hyde Building Belize City. Commissioner of Income Tax, Mrs Ann Castillo heads the Income Tax Department with a staff compliment of 144 countrywide. The operating activities of the Department was decentralized in 1983 with the establishment of five branch offices in Belmopan, Corozal, Dangriga, San Pedro and Orange Walk Town. All offices perform similar functions to those at the headquarters, which is divided into seven specialized sections namely Assessment, Collection and Enforcement Administration, Large Audit and Petroleum, Accounts, Information Communication Technology and Objections, Appeals and Training.

http://www.incometaxbelize.gov.bz

The Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA) is a statutory entity designed to modernize the Agricultural Health Services in Belize. It was established under the Laws of Belize “Belize Agricultural Health Authority Act, Chapter 211 of the Substantive Laws of Belize”. A Board of Directors governs BAHA, which is the policy-making organ of the authority, with representatives from both government and private sector. Their vision is to be trusted and respected Agricultural Health Authority that inspires confidence in the safety, wholesomeness and health of Belize’s agriculture, fisheries and food products. In addition, their mission is to serve Belize by ensuring safe and wholesome food, strengthening national food security, facilitating trade and commerce by providing efficient, competent and professional services to protect human, animals, plant health, animal welfare, and the environment.

http://www.baha.org.bz

For more information on regulatory departments and quality control laboratories’ contact details, please see the following links: 

4.1 Belize Government Contact List

 4.3 Belize Laboratory and Quality Testing Companies Contact List

Duties and Tax Exemption

The role of the Belize Customs and Excise Department is to develop and implement an integrated set of policies and procedures that ensure increased safety and security, as well as developing the necessary platform to promote effective trade facilitation and revenue collection.

For contact information regarding government custom authorities, please follow these links:

 www.customs.gov.bz

4.1 Belize Government Contact List

Emergency Response

Exemption Regular Regime (Non-Emergency Response): 

For UN agencies, when importing goods during non-emergency times, exemption is based on the United Nations Development Programme Standard Basic Assistant Agreement signed between the United Nations and Belize. The Belize-based UN agencies such as UNDP, UNICEF etc. (depending on whether it is food items or living supplies such as tents or netting) certifies the goods are for use within the terms of the agreement and affix the stamp of the organization, and an authorized signature is submitted on the Customs declaration, the exemption is granted.  

The Ministry of Finance is the Government department with responsibility for implementing its economic and fiscal policies and procedures, which include granting of duty exemption for humanitarian aid. Humanitarian aid that is imported by the churches and other organizations (NGOs) for distribution to people in Belize are granted exemption by the Ministry of Finance.

The Customs Tariff and Trade Classification, Laws of Belize, Chapter 48 Section 3 (2) of 2013, Revised Edition2000 also contain a list of Conditional Duty Exemptions which are used when importing items such as humanitarian aid by the Red Cross (Conditional Duty Exemption No.14). It must be noted that the Red Cross must also get an approval from the Ministry Of Finance.

These NGOs and non-NGOs wishing to import humanitarian aid will need to submit a letter requesting exemption and in the body of the letter must state the description and quantity of items imported. The organization must submit a copy of legal certificate to operate as a NGO (whether it is a national organization or international donor)/non-NGO and must provide short explanation of the objectives of the organization.  

NGO’s that are allowed to operate as such within the country according to the Laws of Belize set out in the Non-Governmental Organization Act for Belize: http://www.belizelaw.org/web/lawadmin/PDF%20files/cap315.pdf  

In addition, the above section of the Laws of Belize also provides a list of goods that are illegible for conditional duty exemptions.

Obtaining Duty Free Status

Must apply in writing to the Ministry of Finance, and submit the list of the description and quantity of items.  Certificate of Registration, Letter from sponsor/ donor or importing organization stating objectives and nature of organization. Depending on the nature of the organization and use of the goods and what objectives the use of the goods are geared towards, will determine where the letter requesting exemption should be directed to, for example, pharmaceuticals need permit to import from the Ministry of Health.

Exemption Certificate Application Procedure: 

Customs is a law enforcement agency.  Exemption is granted by the Ministry of Finance and application/ request is made to the Ministry of Finance.  Organization wishing to import items under exemption will need to submit a letter requesting exemption and in the body of the letter must state the description and quantity of items submit a copy of legal certificate to operate as a registered organization (whether it’s a national organization or international donor) and also must provide short explanation of the objectives and nature of the business.  

Exemption Certificate Document Requirements

Exemption is granted by the Ministry of Finance and application/ request is made to the Ministry of Finance.  Organization wishing to import items under exemption will need to submit a letter requesting exemption and in the body of the letter must state the description and quantity of items submit a copy of legal certificate to operate as a registered organization (whether it’s a national organization or international donor) and also must provide short explanation of the objectives and nature of the business.  

Customs Clearance

General Information 

Customs Clearance Document Requirements

Transit Regime

For humanitarian goods in terrestrial transit an authorized customs broker will require a customs declaration.  A customs transit declaration must be prepared by an authorized customs broker and the following must be attached: invoice, transport document, insurance certificate, transhipment certificate (in the form of a declaration that is stamped and signed by consignee/owner/ declarant) and if any other supporting documents such as export customs declaration from previous country.  Thereafter, a Customs Transit Document - T1 is created for the shipment.  This document requires a valid guarantee in the form of an insurance bond from the declarant in order for it to be properly processed.  The container is also sealed by customs.  In addition, a customs guard must escort the shipment from point A to point B.  When the shipment arrives at point B, the seal is verified if in tack and the T1 is closed.  When the T1 is closed this releases the guarantee/ bond that was put up for the trans-shipment. 

In the case of an in-transit shipment by sea where the cargo is not destined for Belize but will change vessel, it must be manifested as such.  Likewise,  A customs transit declaration must be prepared by an authorized customs broker and the following must be attached: invoice, transport document, insurance certificate, transhipment certificate (in the form of a declaration that is stamped and signed by consignee/owner/ declarant) and if any other supporting documents such as export customs declaration from previous country.  In this case, a Customs Transit Document - T1 is not created but it requires a valid guarantee in the form of an insurance bond from the declarant in order for it to be properly processed. 

There are two primary ports, both of which are privately owned: Port of Belize City, owned by Port of Belize Limited, and Port of Big Creek, owned by the Big Creek Group. The port in Belize City is primarily a container port, while the Big Creek port concentrates more on agricultural products (bananas, fruit concentrates, sugar, etc.) and bulk cargo. Both ports have limitations with draught and berthing, and limited loading and unloading capacity. A third port, the port at Harvest Caye is a private port, dedicated exclusively to cruise ships.

Key airport information may also be found at: http://worldaerodata.com/

The Department of Civil Aviation is the regulatory and oversight body in all civil aviation matters in Belize. The Director of Civil Aviation as established in the Belize Civil Aviation Act heads this Department. He or she is responsible for all civil aviation matters in the country. The main functions of the Department are to ensure the safety of air navigation and to promote and encourage the safe, orderly and economic development of civil aviation locally, regionally and internationally.

For more information on government agency and airport company contact information, please see the following links: 

4.1 Belize Government Contact List 

4.5 Belize Airport Companies Contact List

Procedures for Foreign Registered Aircraft

Entry requirements and permits for Belize

The following is extracted from the Belize Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP), Gen 1.2, Entry, Transit And Departure of Aircraft:

1. GENERAL

1.1 All flights into, from or over the territory of Belize and landing in such territory shall be carried out in accordance with the Belize Civil Aviation Regulations in force.            

1.2 Aircraft landing in or departing from the territory of Belize must first land at or finally depart from the Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport. ICAO Location Indicator MZBZ.

1.3 The intent to enter Belize must be a written request addressed to the Director of Civil Aviation detailing flight itinerary (ies), statement if aircraft desires to conduct internal flights and the area which flights are intended and purpose of the visit. Request or application can be sent via fax to (501) 225-2533 or to contact details appearing on the website: www.civilaviation.gov.bz

2. SCHEDULED FLIGHTS

2.1 GENERAL

2.1.1 For international scheduled flights operated by foreign airlines, applications shall be made to the Air Transport Licensing Authority (ATLA) in writing using the following address:

Air Transport Licensing Authority

c/o Director of Civil Aviation

Department of Civil Aviation

P.O. Box 367

Belize City, Belize

2.1.2 Applications should be accompanied by authenticated copies of Air Operators Certificates and Licenses or Permits to operate Public Transport Services issued by the Country of Registry and Copies of Insurance Certificates covering liability for carriage of passengers, luggage and freight and damage to Third Parties for the territory of Belize. These operators are required to appoint a Ground-Handling agent in Belize.

2.1.3 Applications for Charter Permits, should be sent to the Director of Civil Aviation at least 48 hours in advance, and must contain the following information:

• Name and Address of Operator
• Air carrier Operating Certificate (AOC)
• Type of Aircraft
• Nationality and Registration Marks
• Name of Pilot-in-Command
• Point of Origin and Destination
• Number of Passengers and/or Weight and Type of Cargo
• Name of Consignee (Cargo Flights)
• Purpose of Visit
• Proposed Dates and Times of Arrivals and Departures in Belize
• Route
• Name of Handling Agent (Compulsory)

Applications may be made by AFS to MZBZYAYX or by telefax on (501) 225-2533 or by e-mail to bzeais@yahoo.com or gtorres@civilaviation.gov.bz. The pertinent form appears on the website in FORMS.

Documentary requirements for clearance of aircraft

2.1.4 It is necessary that under mentioned aircraft documents be submitted by airline operators for clearance on entry or departure of their aircraft to and from Belize. All documents listed below must follow the ICAO standard format as set forth in the relevant appendices to ICAO Annex 9 (Facilitation) and are acceptable when furnished in English or Spanish and completed in legible writing.

 2.1.5 Aircraft documents required (arrival/departure) TOTAL OF NINE

 The Department of Civil Aviation also requires:

1. Certificate of Airworthiness of aircraft
2. Certificate of Registration of aircraft
3. Pilot's License and Pilot's Medical Certificate
4. Insurance documents of aircraft stating coverage for the territory of Belize
5. Passport details of the crew and passengers (to include name, nationality, date of birth, issue date and expiry date).

2.1.6 Carriage of weapons and ammunitions for war and dangerous goods.

No aircraft will be permitted to carry into or out of Belize dangerous goods except with permission, for which application must be made to the Director of Civil Aviation in writing. Such carriage must be in compliance with provisions contained in ICAO Document 9284 - Technical Instructions for the safe Transport of Goods by the Air, and other instructions or conditions contained in the permit.

3. NON-SCHEDULED FLIGHTS (CHARTER FLIGHTS)

3.1 PROCEDURES

3.1.1  If an operator intends to carry out one or more non-scheduled flights(s), in transit across, or making non-traffic stops in, the territory of Belize, it is necessary for the operator to obtain prior permission.

3.1.2    If an operator intends to perform a (series of) non-scheduled flight(s) into Belize for the purpose of taking on or discharging passengers, cargo or mail, it is necessary for the operator to apply to the Director -Department of Civil Aviation, P.O. Box 367, Belize City, Belize, for permission to carry out such operations not less than FORTY EIGHT hours in advance of the intended landing. The application must include the following information in the order shown hereunder:

1. Name of operator and Air Carrier Operating Certificate (AOC);
2. Type of aircraft
3. Nationality and registration marks of the aircraft;
4. Date and time of arrival at and departure from P.S.W. Goldson International Airport including origin;
5. Place or places of embarkation or disembarkation abroad, as the case may be, of passengers and/or freight;
6. Purpose of flight and number of passengers and/or nature and amount of freight; and
7. Type of freight;
8. **Passport details as per table below (CREW AND PASSENGER DETAILS);
9. Name, address and business of charterer, if any.
10. Name of handling agent (compulsory)
11. Additional documents which include:

• Certificate of Airworthiness of aircraft
• Certificate of Registration of aircraft
• Pilot's License and Pilot's Medical Certificate
• Insurance documents of aircraft stating coverage for the territory of Belize
• Passport details of the crew and passengers (to include name, nationality, date of birth, issue date and expiry date).

** CREW AND PASSENGER DETAILS

Documentary requirements for clearance of aircraft

3.1.3        Same requirements as for SCHEDULED FLIGHTS as indicated above.

4. ADDITIONAL ENTRY, TRANSIT AND DEPARTURE OF AIRCRAFT

4.1. GENERAL

4.1.1      An Aircraft Clearance Certificate (ACC) must be completed upon landing which will require the stamps of all entry and exit facilitation agencies at MZBZ.

4.1.2    For local flights, THE AIRCRAFT CLEARANCE CERTIFICATE - SUPPLEMENT must also be completed. This can be obtained at the Belize Air Traffic Services Reporting Office on the First Floor of the Airport Terminal Building.

 5. PRIVATE FLIGHTS (FIXED AND ROTOR WING – HELICOPTERS)

5.1 ADVANCE NOTIFICATION OF ARRIVAL

5.1.1 The information contained in the flight plan is necessary and must be filed at last point of departure. The information contained in 1. General and also in 3.1.2 which is also repeated below, must be transmitted so that it will be received at the Belize Department of Civil Aviation at least twenty four hours in advance of arrival. The Belize Department of Civil Aviation will subsequently issue a clearance number.

5.1.2 It must be ensured that the following original documents for the aircraft and flight crew are submitted well in advance, especially if there are plans to fly internally in Belize. This includes the following:

1. Certificate of Airworthiness of aircraft
2. Certificate of Registration of aircraft
3. Pilot's Licence and Medical Certificate
4. Third Party Insurance covering Belizean territory
5. Crew and passenger details as described below:

CREW AND PASSENGER DETAILS

5.1.3 The aforementioned documents can be sent via fax to (501) 225-2533 or scanned and sent via e-mail to bzeais@yahoo.com and copied to giltorres65@gmail.com

5.1.4 As to the services of handlers at MZBZ, the only authorized agency is Belize Aero Dispatch Services. (Tel: (501-225-2163).

5.1.5 Passport details for the crew and passengers must be submitted together with the crew and aircraft documents at least 24 hours in advance.

5.1.6 Upon arrival pilot needs to present the Aircraft Clearance Certificate together with the General Declaration Forms to all Facilitation agencies as indicated, at the Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport.

5.1.7 Clearance to conduct domestic flights within Belize must be obtained at the Air Traffic Services Reporting Office. Authorization may be given once all requirements have been met. The additional form known as the Supplementary Aircraft Clearance Certificate will need to be filled out.

For more information on procedures for foreign registered aircraft, please see the following links: 

http://www.cocesna.org/

http://www.icao.int/RASGPA/Pages/default.aspx

http://www.pgiabelize.com/

The road network in Belize consists of 3,281 km of which approximately 601 km are paved and 2680 km are unpaved.

The following roads constitute the four main road networks. They consist of asphalt-paved two-lane roads. Due to continuous maintenance they are in good condition for transportation:

-       Philip Goldson Highway (formerly Northern Highway), between Belize City and the Mexican border north of Corozal, about 95 miles or 153 km (Referred in the map as “N”)

-       George Price Highway (formerly Western Highway), between Belize City and the Guatemalan border near Benque Viejo del Carmen, about 81 miles or 130 km(Referred in the map as “W”)

-       Hummingbird Highway, from Belmopan to Dangriga, about 55 mile or 89 km (Referred in the map as “H”)

-       Southern Highway, from Dangriga to Punta Gorda (Referred in the map as “S”), 157.3 km

Most maps also include the Old Northern Highway, which provides access to the Altun Ha ruins. This single-lane road is partly paved, but deteriorates dramatically just north of the access road to the ruins.

The Coastal Highway, also known as the Manatee Highway or the Shortcut, connects the Western Highway (48 km west of Belize City) with the Stann Creek Valley near Dangriga. This highway is all gravel and may wash out during heavy rains.

The Ministry of Public Works is responsible for planning, construction and maintenance of the country’s roads and bridges, as well as some roads, drains and waterways in cities. There are serious shortfalls in the resources to meet the repair demand of the highways, with nearly all streets having areas of disrepair. Road infrastructure is financed by the national government, as well as by grants and loans from bilateral and multilateral sources, all implemented by the Ministry of Public Works.

For more information on government contact details, please see the following link:

 4.1 Belize Government Contact List.

Distance Matrix

Road Security

There is very little control on the roads by the police or the state authorities. Traffic signals and speed limits are not much respected. While in villages and along roads, presence of public authorities is weak, the frequency of controls increases close to large cities.  Frequent accidents include frontal accidents on the highway between Belize City and Belmopan.

On overland transports, weight indication for trucks is not specified. Equally, bridges are not marked with the maximum weight or the number of axes allowed and technical Management is not available.

There is no railway network available in Belize.

The rivers of Belize are not used for cargo or passenger transportation. 

In coastal areas, maritime transport is available as both international maritime transportation for bulk and container shipping and local maritime transportation provided by fishing vessels, freight barges and recreational boats. Several water taxi operators run formal and informal services, largely linked to tourism, to the islands and offshore destinations. Some operators have boats with a capacity of more than 100 passengers.

For more information on government contact details, please see the following link:

4.1 Belize Government Contact List. 

Company Information

Companies offering services of water taxi include the following:

• Caye Caulker Water Taxi Association
• San Pedro Belize Express Water Taxi
• Ocean Ferry Belize
• Tropic Ferry
• Nautilus Express Water Taxi
• Thunderbolt Water Taxi
• Coastal Express

Travel Time Matrix

Schedules that indicate arrival and departure times from water taxi operators are largely respected. Water taxis are mainly used for commuting and transporting cargo (41%), touristic visits to the islands (30%) and general transportation (29%). Most of the water taxi operators have their own port facilities in Belize City and North Front Street.

Key Routes

Port Information

Disclaimer: Inclusion of company information in the LCA does not imply any business relationship between the supplier and WFP / Logistics Cluster, and is used solely as a determinant of services, and capacities. 

Please note: WFP / Logistics Cluster maintain complete impartiality and are not in a position to endorse, comment on any company's suitability as a reputable service provider. 

Storage facilities are located along the two landborders (Mexico and Guatemala) and at the two seaports, Belize City and Big Greek Port. Additionally, five warehouses of the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) are located throughout the country in strategic points and in high areas to avoid flooding.

The storage capacity of the border with Guatemala (Benque Viejo Border) is 930 m² (10,000 ft.²). In case of a natural disaster, all of these warehouses can be made available to support the emergency response in coordination with NEMO.

For the northern border with Mexico, the Border Management Agency has a storage capacity of 9,290 m² (100,000 ft.²). In case of a natural disaster the border can be used as an entry point for humanitarian assistance to Belize through road transportation.

For more information on storage company contact details, please see the following link: 4.6 Belize Storage and Milling Companies Contact List

Commercial Storage

The majority of warehouses available are for private use and not for rent. In case of emergency, NEMO is in charge of establishing warehouses.

Storage Used by Humanitarian Organizations

NEMO has five storage facilities in good condition installed in Belize, from which emergencies have been managed during the last six years. The warehouses are located far from the coast to avoid damage by floods.

[1] Warehouse Type: Open storage, container, rub-hall, silo, and concrete, other, unspecified

[2] Warehouse Access: Raised-siding, flat

[3] Warehouse condition: Appears intact, appears damaged, under construction/repair

Public Sector Storage

No warehouses or deposits of any state entity could be identified.

Cold Chain

The cold chain for ocean shipments is ensured through refrigerated containers at both ports.

[1] Cold Room Positive, Cold Room Negative, Refrigerator, Freezer,

[2] Compression, Absorption, Solar, Other, unspecified

For more information on milling company contact details, please see the following link: 4.6 Belize Storage and Milling Companies Contact List

Milling Company Belize Sugar Industries Ltd. (BSI)

Belize Sugar Industries Ltd. (BSI) was founded in 1963 and has been producing sugar in the northern town of Orange Walk since 1967. BSI grinds 1.3 million mt of sugarcane each year with an average daily milling throughput of 6,800 mt. 

Disclaimer: Inclusion of company information in the LCA does not imply any business relationship between the supplier and WFP / Logistics Cluster, and is used solely as a determinant of services, and capacities.

Please note: WFP / Logistics Cluster maintain complete impartiality and are not in a position to endorse, comment on any company's suitability as a reputable service provider.

In terms of fuel distribution in Belize there are two terminals with a combined storage capacity of 26,300 m³, 14 retail sites and one airport dedicated to this purpose. Puma Energy is the sole importer of petroleum products in the country. It currently operates 14 branded retail sites and two convenience stores. Puma Energy has also invested in offshore mooring systems.

For more information on government and fuel provider contact details, please see the following links:

4.1 Government Contact List

4.7 Fuel Providers Contact List

Information may also be found at: http://www.mytravelcost.com/petrol-prices/ which is updated monthly. 

Fuel Pricing

The Ministry of Finance in Belize controls the price of the fuel in the country, the taxes on fuel are approximately 45.25% and the commercial margin for the fuel retailers is 13.46%. Gasoline is imported as oil production in the country is not sufficient to build a local refinery. Taxes already include import tariffs. The numbers in the table represent the prices from the plant. Prices at gas stations might vary. (Source: PUMA Energy)

More information can be found here: https://mof.gov.bz/index.php/2012-08-30-03-42-02/2012-10-04-16-57-37

Seasonal Variations 

Fuel Transportation

Fuel is imported via barge in a two-to-three-week cycle.  Some products if needed are transported via trucks from other Puma facilities, although barges are preferred. Fuel is distributed in the country via trucks. Each distributer outsources trucks to do the deliveries to their clients at a regulated price set by the government.

Standards, Quality and Testing

Foreign independent surveyors (OTI or Intertek) are in charge of fuel sampling. The Belize Bureau of Standards (BBS) is the regulatory agent and has approved both laboratories. 

Disclaimer: Inclusion of company information in the LCA does not imply any business relationship between the supplier and WFP / Logistics Cluster, and is used solely as a determinant of services, and capacities.

Please note: WFP / Logistics Cluster maintain complete impartiality and are not in a position to endorse, comment on any company's suitability as a reputable service provider.

The transportation industry in Belize faces constraints due to poor infrastructure. Several projects have been suspended since 2004 when austerity measures were implemented. During the wet season, major roads and sections of highways are subject to closures due to possible damages. 

The Belizean Ministry of Works and Transport estimates that there are slightly over 3,000 truckers in the country. 80 percent are involved in the agricultural sector and particularly the sugar industry in one way or the other.

Truckers in Belize have two major points of entry into the country, which also serve as exit points. The first entry point is between the towns Subteniente Lopez and Santa Elena, located on each side of the Mexico-Belize border point. Once customs and immigration officials have approved the vehicle permit and stamped the passport of the driver and other passengers, drivers need to purchase insurance for the duration of their stay from the Insurance Corporation of Belize. The vehicle permit is used in the vehicle importation process. The other point of entry is between the towns Benque Viejo del Carmen and Melchor de Mencos, located on each side of the Belize-Guatemala border.

Because most trucks are dedicated to supporting industry and farming activities, it is sometimes complicated to get a company to do freight transportation.  

For more information on transport company contact details, please see the following link: 

4.8 Transporter Contact List

Disclaimer: Inclusion of company information in the LCA does not imply any business relationship between the supplier and WFP / Logistics Cluster, and is used solely as a determinant of services, and capacities.

Please note: WFP / Logistics Cluster maintain complete impartiality and are not in a position to endorse, comment on any company's suitability as a reputable service provider.

Unemployment rates in Belize are lower than in other countries in the region, this is also due to the country's small population. It is possible to obtain work force to carry out projects in the country, in addition, organisations can hire personnel with temporary contracts,

There are seven major trade unions in Belize organized under a federation, the National Trade Union Congress of Belize (NTUCB). Membership is estimated at around 5,500, representing less than 4 percent of the labour force and around 6 percent of all government and private sector employees. Union membership is concentrated in the public sector. The two largest unions are the Belize National Teachers Union and the Public Service Union, each one with 1,600-1,800 members.

There is limited union representation in the private sector. The tourism sector, including hotels and restaurants, is not unionized nor are any of the call centers, a growing segment of the service sector.

Trade unions are more prevalent in the public sector and their impact on the labour market is more likely to be indirect than direct. Public sector unions via wage and other compensation demands influence fiscal outcomes.  These in turn can influence government borrowing and interest rates, and hence, private sector development and labour demand. 

The numbers in the table below display the labor rates for workers in US-Dollar per day (Source: UNDP).

Overview

The Belize Telecommunications Act No. 16 of 2002 liberalized telecommunications and made the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) the industry regulator. A process of consultation with prospective players on license terms and conditions for new entrants and on price control and inter-connection sets the stage for competition. License conditions and legal obligations require license holders to behave in a fair and non-discriminatory manner, to provide cost-oriented services to competitors and to refrain from abuse of a dominant position with predatory or other anti-competitive practices.

The sector is also responsible for Regulatory Framework both internationally and regionally in conjunction with recommendations laid out by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), Caribbean Telecommunications Union (CTU) and Inter-American Telecommunication Commission (CITEL).

Belize is becoming one of the fastest-growing telecom markets in the Caribbean and has seen an increase in the teledensity as well as a sharp decline in tariffs for various services within the sector thus, contributing to the economic growth of the country. Telecommunications along with Information, Communication and Technology (ICT), has vastly accelerated the growth of the social and economic development of the country.  

For more information on telecoms contacts, please see the following link: 

4.11 Additional Services Contact List

Telecommunication Regulation

Broadcasting and television are regulated under the Broadcasting and Television Act overseen by the Belize Broadcasting Authority. 

Existing Humanitarian Telecoms Systems

Internet Service Providers (ISPs)

BTL (Belize Telemedia Limited) is the largest Internet service provider in Belize. However, 27 companies have been granted licenses to provide Internet in Belize. At least one other company, Southern Cable Network (formerly known as Mirror Net), is in Belmopan and has started to offer Internet service again. Some Belizeans also use satellite service to connect to the Internet, although the connection speed tends to be slower compared to other services. For some remote areas, satellite services are the only options.

Mobile Network Operators (MNOs)

Belize is well served by cellular service which covers most of the country and certain marine areas close to major coastal population centers. The major telecommunication company, Belize Telemedia Limited, is government-owned. The second-largest company and mobile operator is Smart Telecom Belize.

Belize Telemedia Limited offers its cellular service under the “DigiCell” brand, a digital service with GSM dual band 850/1900 MHz technology. Cellular plans in Belize are easy to understand and they can be broken into two segments: post and pre-paid. Most Belizeans use Digicell or SMART pre-paid service, as there is no need of a contract and no forms need to be signed. 

For information on MNOs please visit the GSM Association website. 

Disclaimer: Inclusion of company information in the LCA does not imply any business relationship between the supplier and WFP / Logistics Cluster, and is used solely as a determinant of services, and capacities.

Please note: WFP / Logistics Cluster maintain complete impartiality and are not in a position to endorse, comment on any company's suitability as a reputable service provider.

Natural disasters have contributed to a reduction in agricultural production and exports and to short-term increases in food imports. The aggregate impact from Tropical Storm Roxanne in 1995 and Hurricane Keith in 2000 in Northern Belize, together with Tropical Storm Chantal and Hurricane Iris in 2001 in Southern Belize, resulted in more than US$ 200 million in losses and damages to the agriculture sector alone. These natural disasters caused short-term shortages of domestic commodities such as rice, corn and beans, and contributed to reduced exports of shrimp, lobster, papayas and bananas in the corresponding years. Damage to agriculture and fisheries infrastructure contributed significantly to the resulting shortfalls in production.

Generic country information can be located from sources which are regularly maintained and reflect current facts and figures. For a general overview of country data related to the service and supply sectors, please consult to following source: The Observatory of Economic Complexity–MIT (OEC)

For more information, please visit the following sites:

World Bank - World Integrated Trade Solution - Belize 

Trading Economics - Belize

Index Mundi - Belize

There is no railway network in Belize and no railway-related companies.