标签： Belize

Belize is witnessing a transformative surge in its healthcare sector, fueled by the unprecedented success of its national lottery system. Belize Government Lotteries Ltd. (BGLL) has reported staggering sales of over $108 million in its inaugural year, with projections indicating a rise to $137 million in the current year. This cumulative figure of nearly $245 million in just two years is not only a testament to the lottery’s popularity but also a critical funding source for national projects, particularly healthcare. Through the National Health Insurance (NHI) program, BGLL has already contributed $22 million to expand primary care services across the country. Janel Espat, Managing Director of BGLL, highlighted the lottery’s role in generating revenue, stating, ‘Our first calendar year, our sales were a hundred and eight million dollars. We are hoping, by all indications, that for the second year our sales will be a hundred and thirty-seven million dollars.’ The funds are disbursed to the government, with the Ministry of Finance determining their allocation. Dr. Ramon Figueroa, General Manager of NHI, emphasized the significance of this financial boost, noting that the NHI rollout, which began in 2001, has historically been constrained by funding limitations. The lottery’s contributions have enabled the expansion of primary care to regions like Orange Walk and the Cayo District, despite challenges posed by the latter’s dispersed population. This innovative funding mechanism is paving the way for nationwide healthcare improvements, marking a significant milestone in Belize’s public health journey.

The Central Bank of Belize has unveiled a groundbreaking initiative with the establishment of a national Credit Reporting System (CRS), a significant leap forward in the nation’s financial infrastructure. This system aims to enhance access to credit for Belizeans, particularly benefiting micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) and households. CRIF Information Services Limited, the licensed credit bureau, will spearhead the collection and dissemination of borrowers’ credit data from banks, credit unions, and other lending institutions. This move is poised to address longstanding information gaps, enabling lenders to make more informed decisions on creditworthiness. Governor Kareem Michael hailed the CRS as a transformative measure toward financial inclusion and stability, emphasizing its role in fostering fairness and transparency in lending practices. By allowing individuals to build verifiable credit histories, the system will serve as ‘reputational collateral,’ unlocking financial opportunities previously inaccessible. Over time, the CRS is expected to lower borrowing costs by enabling financial institutions to better assess risk and reward responsible borrowers. Additionally, it will standardize information sharing among lenders, fostering competition and enhancing the efficiency of the credit market. In compliance with the Credit Reporting Act, CRIF is mandated to ensure stringent privacy and accuracy safeguards for all stored credit information. The system is slated to become operational in early 2026, following thorough data integration and security compliance testing.

The National Bus Consolidation Pro Tempore Advisory Committee is making significant strides in establishing the Consolidated National Bus Company, a transformative public-private partnership aimed at modernizing Belize’s transportation infrastructure. During a pivotal meeting on October 3, the committee reviewed progress and outlined the next steps in this ambitious transition.

Officials revealed that the new entity has already secured a commanding 71 percent of the national market share, thanks to commitments from existing bus operators. Financial audits of these operators are currently in progress, with an opening balance sheet anticipated by mid-November. This financial groundwork will be instrumental in determining equity participation and shaping the company’s financial projections.

Stakeholder consultations have gained momentum, engaging a diverse array of participants, including bus operators, financial institutions, and international partners. These discussions are centered on fostering transparency, inclusivity, and gathering critical insights as the sector moves toward consolidation.

The implementation timeline remains firmly on track, with the Consolidated National Bus Company slated to commence operations on January 1, 2026. The rollout will introduce enhanced safety standards, upgraded and new terminals, and the phased introduction of modern buses over the next two to three years.

The committee underscored that this initiative is not a nationalization effort but a strategic public-private partnership designed to bolster public transportation and align Belize with global sustainable development goals.

The committee comprises representatives from key entities, including the Ministry of Infrastructure Development and Housing, the Statistical Institute of Belize, the University of Belize, the National Trade Union Congress of Belize, the Ministry of Economic Transformation, the Attorney General’s Ministry, the media, bus operators, commuters, the business community, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).