In a significant development, former PUP candidate Lawrence Ellis has secured a substantial weekly contract worth $33,000 with the Belize City Council. His company, Reliable Waste Solutions, will now oversee grass-cutting operations across the city’s 733 streets. Mayor Bernard Wagner highlighted the council’s long-standing challenges in maintaining the city’s green spaces, citing inefficiencies and substandard work from previous efforts. The new contract, Wagner claims, will not only improve the quality of grass-cutting services but also save the council millions annually. This decision, however, has sparked public scrutiny due to the hefty price tag and the political connections involved. Wagner defended the move, emphasizing the financial benefits and the oversight mechanisms in place to ensure the company’s performance.
分类： business
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BTL CEO Ivan Tesucum Placed on 10-Day Leave
In a significant corporate development, Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL) has announced that its Chief Executive Officer, Ivan Tesucum, has been placed on a 10-day leave effective immediately. This decision follows an internal disciplinary process initiated by the company’s Board of Directors. The Board reviewed a formal complaint lodged against Tesucum, which was thoroughly examined by a disciplinary committee. While the committee concluded that the complaint lacked legal grounds, it identified a related issue that necessitated action. After carefully considering Tesucum’s response and ensuring due process, the Board decided to enforce the leave as a precautionary measure. Tesucum is expected to resume his duties on November 14, 2025. In the interim, BTL will operate under temporary leadership. Both Tesucum and the company have been formally notified of the decision, and the organization remains focused on maintaining operational continuity.
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Government Moves to Raise Sugar Prices Amid Farmer Struggles
In a significant move to address long-standing challenges in the sugar industry, the Belizean government has announced plans to raise sugar prices for the first time in decades. The decision, spearheaded by Marco Osorio, Chairman of the Sugar Industry Control Board, comes in response to mounting pressures faced by sugarcane farmers, including soaring production costs, climate-related disruptions, and the recent outbreak of fusarium wilt disease. The last price increase for brown sugar occurred in 2001, while plantation white sugar saw its last adjustment in 2016. Osorio emphasized that the proposed hike is essential to provide much-needed relief to farmers, who have endured financial strain for years. However, he acknowledged that the move could burden consumers, particularly households. The exact new prices for packaged sugar remain under review, as officials aim to strike a balance between supporting the industry and minimizing the impact on local consumers. The government’s decision reflects a broader effort to stabilize the sugar sector and ensure its sustainability amid evolving economic and environmental challenges.
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Sugar Price Adjustment Could Slow Contraband Trade
In a strategic move to combat the rampant contraband sugar trade, Belize is considering a significant adjustment to local sugar prices. Marco Osorio, Chairman of the Sugar Industry Control Board, has highlighted the persistent issue of smuggling, driven by the substantial price disparities between Belize and its neighboring countries, Mexico and Guatemala. Osorio suggests that increasing domestic sugar prices could potentially reduce the flow of illegal trade, though he acknowledges that it may not completely eradicate the problem. The illicit sugar trade primarily benefits smugglers, leaving local farmers and the sugar industry at a disadvantage. As the government deliberates on the proposed price adjustments, the industry remains hopeful that this measure will provide some much-needed relief and stability.
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Major U.S. financial institution to open office in Guyana
Citi, a prominent U.S.-based financial institution, is set to open a representative office in Guyana as early as the first quarter of 2026, according to reliable sources. The move aims to cater to corporate clients and is pending regulatory approval from the Bank of Guyana. This strategic decision is driven by Guyana’s remarkable economic growth, particularly in infrastructure and export financing, as well as its increasingly favorable investment climate. The new office will enable Citi to assist its clients in accessing global markets while supporting the country’s financial infrastructure and development. Pablo del Valle, Citi’s Head for Central America and the Caribbean, expressed enthusiasm about the initiative, highlighting Guyana’s growth trajectory and vibrant investment landscape as compelling opportunities. With a presence in over 90 countries, Citi plans to leverage its global expertise to contribute significantly to Guyana’s economy. Known for its cross-border banking services, wealth management leadership, and personal banking in the U.S., Citi operates in more than 180 countries, offering a wide range of financial products and services to corporations, governments, and individuals.
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Nieuwe stap naar exportgroei met Cost Sharing Grant en gecertificeerde coaches
Suriname has taken a significant step forward in enhancing its export capabilities with the launch of the Cost Sharing Grant and the certification of fifteen export coaches. The initiative, officially inaugurated by Minister Melvin Bouva of Foreign Affairs, International Trade, and Cooperation (BIS), marks a pivotal moment in the nation’s efforts to strengthen its global competitiveness. The ceremony, held at the Courtyard Marriott in Paramaribo, highlighted Suriname’s commitment to transforming its economic potential into tangible achievements. Minister Bouva emphasized that while the country boasts innovative entrepreneurs, abundant natural resources, and strategic access to regional and international markets, many of its products and services remain underrecognized abroad. He attributed this gap to limited access to knowledge, markets, and the necessary tools for success. The minister praised the first cohort of certified export coaches and the twenty-six companies that have already begun implementing their export strategies, calling them ‘pioneers of a new export culture.’ The Cost Sharing Grant, a co-financing model, aims to support businesses in realizing their export plans by funding activities such as marketing materials, digital platforms, trade mission participation, product certification, and sample distribution. This initiative is part of the Foreign Investment and Export Promotion Program, funded by the Inter-American Development Bank and implemented in collaboration with BIS, the Suriname Investment and Trade Agency (SITA), and the National Development Bank. The program focuses on non-extractive sectors like agribusiness, manufacturing, services, and the creative industry, with transparency, inclusivity, and impact as core principles. For businesses without an export strategy, the Export Coaching Facility offers subsidized guidance to develop an SITA-approved Export Marketing Plan. The application process is open and merit-based, with subsidies tailored to the activity’s importance, such as 90% support for product certification and 50% for marketing materials. Minister Bouva underscored that export is more than selling products—it is a national project that creates jobs, strengthens value chains, and shares Suriname’s story of quality, resilience, and pride with the world.
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BTL CEO Ivan Tesucum Placed on Leave
Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL) has announced that its Chief Executive Officer, Ivan Tesucum, has been placed on a 10-day leave effective immediately. This decision comes after the conclusion of an internal disciplinary process initiated by the company’s Board of Directors. The Board reviewed a complaint filed against Tesucum, which was examined by a disciplinary committee. The committee gathered evidence from both Tesucum and the complainant before making its recommendations. The Board ultimately determined that the specific complaint was not substantiated under the law, and both parties were informed of this outcome. However, the Board identified a related issue that required disciplinary action. After considering Tesucum’s response and ensuring due process, the Board decided on the 10-day leave as an appropriate measure. Tesucum is expected to resume his duties on November 14, 2025. This development has sparked discussions within the company and among stakeholders, raising questions about corporate governance and leadership accountability.
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Antigua Government in Active Talks on Cargo Plane Partnership
The government of Antigua and Barbuda is actively engaging in discussions with regional transport companies to forge a cargo aircraft partnership, aimed at enhancing trade and logistics across the Eastern Caribbean. Maurice Merchant, the Director-General of Communications, confirmed that while negotiations are ongoing, the procurement of a government-owned cargo plane has been temporarily suspended pending the outcome of these talks. Merchant emphasized that a successful agreement with these companies would streamline the acquisition process. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to fortify regional trade links and supply chains, particularly within the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS). Additionally, the partnership could improve access to cost-effective goods from neighboring markets, such as the Dominican Republic. Merchant highlighted that this effort is seen as a pivotal step to make regional commerce more efficient and resilient, while also bolstering Antigua and Barbuda’s role in regional trade and transport logistics.
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Appeal Court reserves ruling on ex-Cepep contractor’s challenge
The Court of Appeal has deferred its decision on an appeal lodged by Eastman Enterprises Ltd, a former contractor of the Cepep Company, challenging a High Court order to halt its lawsuit. The lawsuit pertains to the termination of over 300 contracts by Cepep shortly after the April 28 general election. Justices Peter Rajkumar, James Aboud, and Ricky Rahim heard arguments on October 31 before reserving their ruling. The central issue revolves around whether the High Court was correct in staying Eastman’s lawsuit due to an alternative dispute resolution (ADR) clause in the contract. Eastman’s legal team, led by Larry Lalla, SC, argued that the trial judge erred by treating the ADR clause as mandatory and failing to consider the contractor’s right to seek urgent injunctive relief. Lalla emphasized that a mediator could not grant such emergency relief and contended that the referral to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) was premature. Representing Cepep, Anand Ramlogan, SC, defended the trial judge’s decision, asserting that the ADR process should precede court intervention and highlighting the alleged $1.4 billion in unauthorized contract extensions. The appeal stems from a High Court ruling by Justice Margaret Mohammed, who stayed Eastman’s lawsuit in August, directed case documents to the DPP, and ordered Eastman to pay Cepep’s legal costs. Eastman seeks to have its lawsuit and injunction application returned to the High Court, a declaration that the DPP referral was improper, and, if successful, for the Appeal Court’s decision to be forwarded to the DPP. The case underscores broader concerns over contract management and dispute resolution in public procurement.
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Energy Minister: Manatee gas ‘safe’ despite Venezuela ‘echoes’
Energy Minister Dr. Roodal Moonilal has assured that the Manatee gas project remains on track and secure, despite recent statements from Venezuelan officials. Speaking on the matter, Moonilal emphasized that infrastructure developments related to the project are ongoing, with continued collaboration with Shell and other stakeholders to expand gas production from Manatee. When questioned about his interactions with Venezuelan officials, Moonilal clarified that all discussions are conducted through diplomatic channels and state-to-state relations, facilitated by the Ministry of Foreign and Caricom Affairs. He reiterated Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s stance, highlighting that Trinidad and Tobago is not reliant on Venezuelan gas. The country has a robust strategy for oil and gas exploration, particularly with Heritage Petroleum onshore and several multinationals offshore. Moonilal also noted that there are currently no commercial ties with Venezuela regarding gas, and no financial losses are being incurred. The Manatee project, part of the Loran-Manatee field agreement reached in 2019, is expected to commence production in 2027, with a peak output of 104,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day. Additionally, Moonilal addressed Nutrien’s recent shutdown in Trinidad and Tobago, stating that the company remains interested in future investments, particularly in the agricultural sector, with further discussions anticipated in the coming days.