Business owners in Belmopan are raising concerns over unexpected increases in trade licence fees for 2026, directly contradicting official government assurances that costs should have remained unchanged. The discrepancy emerges despite a December 2025 announcement that postponed implementation of the new Trade License Act of 2024, which was designed to establish a revised licensing framework for both urban and rural enterprises.
Under the postponed system, only businesses operating within town and city jurisdictions were slated to pay licensing fees, while rural enterprises were to maintain their fee exemption status. However, multiple business proprietors have reported receiving inflated bills, creating confusion and financial strain.
Oscar Mira, Belmopan Area Representative and Minister of Home Affairs, acknowledged the erroneous fee increases, confirming they were not implemented intentionally. Minister Mira attributed the error to administrative confusion regarding the legislative status of the new licensing regime, which failed to pass Senate approval and therefore cannot be legally enforced.
The minister confirmed he is collaborating with the Belmopan City Council to rectify the situation, ensuring trade licence fees revert to previous levels. Additionally, officials are conducting a comprehensive review of affected accounts to identify discrepancies and process reimbursements to businesses that were overcharged.