Recently there has been a lot of

discussion and public debate

about the Guatemalan claim and

the attendant referendum. Some

Belizeans feel that it is safer to go

to the ICJ, while others think not.

It has been a divided discussion

but amazingly and impressively,

not a divisive one. Happily, we can

all agree on one thing, and it is

that we do not wish to relinquish

so much as a pebble, a leaf, or a

drop of water to Guatemala or

any other country. We are Belize,

a sovereign nation, and we have

all the rights that are possessed

by any sovereign nation.

Nationalism has come to the fore

for most of us and is demon-

strated in one way or another,

whether by grand gestures of taking

our machete to the border to

symbolically clear it, or small ones of

calling our favorite talk show to tell

the Guatemalans that they cannot

have any part of Belize, and

everything in between. Now the

Guatemalans, as of my writing this,

may be retreating in order to

regroup, and we will therefore have

to proceed carefully and

strategically.

One of the things we must seriously

consider is – what to do with this

country we so vehemently want to

keep for ourselves. Belize is an

amazing, beautiful country, with

Trade Perspective page 4 Western Union Perspective page 12

Commerce Perspective page 7 Human Resource Perspective page 13

Membership Perspective page 9

Contributing Editor: Ms. Kay Menzies, President of BCCI

2

Cont. from page 1

endless potential and loads of opportunities. Belize is

Nature with a capital 'N' and we call her 'Jewel' for a

reason. Belizeans are praised around the world for our

friendliness and warmth. We (though not me

personally) are also known for our excellent cuisine. We

are brilliant at everything we set our minds to doing,

but we are much too divided for our own good.

It's not just the colour thing –where red can't stand

being in the same room with blue, and vice versa. Yes,

that is a major and even overriding part of it, but we are

divided along other lines as well, and it is hindering our

development as a country. From the business

perspective, there's large business vs. small business,

productive vs. import, public sector vs. private sector,

union vs. employer, and the list goes on. As a people

we do not like to admit that we're divided in myriad

ways, but –and here's an unavoidable truth –we can

only fix the problem if we first recognize that we have a

problem. For the most part, our divisions are artificial,

unnecessary, and either come from historical bias,

ignorance or from lack of understanding or tolerance of

each other. Unfortunately for our country, divide and

conquer has persisted well beyond the point where

we can credibly blame the long-departed colonial

masters for its prevalence. It is time for us to decide,

as a people, whether we want to 'own' our country

by getting past the divisiveness or keep ourselves

weak and vulnerable by clinging fiercely to our

imaginary divisions.

Imagine a Belize where persons are valued for their

skills rather than vilified or rejected because they are

perceived to belong to the wrong political party.

Imagine a Belize where public and private sector

individuals work in harmony to get their jobs done

quickly and efficiently. Imagine a Belize where

businesses help each other, no matter what their

size, because they find synergies wherein each

business can help the other to grow. Imagine a Belize

where unions and employers can agree on what

constitutes 'a fair day's work for a fair day's pay.'

Imagine what would happen if we used all the

resources at our disposal, including our beautiful,

brilliant people, before those resources are

plundered by others and our people are offered

opportunities in distant lands. Imagine a Belize that

can look past the negativity and naysayers and

imagine what we can then accomplish. If you don't

feel your imagination is up to the task, just look at

the success of people who moved to Belize in the

recent past and have successfully entered industries

3

that did not appear to have much potential. A large

part of success is seizing opportunities as they

present themselves, and in many instances, by

creating our own opportunities. We need to be

innovative – stop thinking of how we cannot succeed

and recognize how we can.

Many of us Belizeans believe that it is the duty of the

government to create an enabling environment for

businesses, and that it is the duty of the full private

sector, which the Chamber represents, to take

advantage of that enabling environment in order to

create economic growth. That envisioned partnership

between the public and private sector, brought to

fruition, can lead to economic miracles. Within its

capacity as the private sector representative, the

Chamber has been advocating for, and partnering in

efforts to achieve this economic miracle, and I am

happy to say that there has been progress. However,

recent events have demonstrated that we still have a

long way to go. I am comforted by the fact that it is

not impossible –that Belizeans are becoming more

energized and motivated. However, with the same

energy that we tell the Guatemalans they cannot

have our land, we must tell ourselves that we will

overcome the divide and conquer attitudes. We must

pool all of our skills and use our resources to best

advantage in order to achieve that very same poten-

tial that Guatemala recognizes in Belize and which

makes Guatemala so desperate to possess our Jewel.

Join the Chamber today . .

It makes dollar $ & Sense!

As the voice of the private sector, the

chamber offers active advocacy, meaningful

networking, capacity building opportunities

and a vehicle to positively influence the

private enterprise system and the wider

community in which we operate and live.

The BCCI—Taking Care of Business!

Cont. from page 2

Contributing Editor: Mrs. Marilyn Pinelo –Lee, Chief Policy Analyst

4

Of recent the term “trade license” has been

widely discussed in the Belizean media as a

controversial topic with BCCI rallying for a review

of the current system and an amendment to the

current Trade License Act (Chapter 66 of the Laws

of Belize). Business owners must inevitably go

through the application process since operating

any business in Belize requires a business owner

to obtain a trade license from the municipality in

which it intends to operate this business. The local

city or town councils issue trade licenses after a

review of the applications by a trade license

board. This board consists of the Mayor or

Chairman of the local authority administering the

town and four members nominated and

appointed by the local authority.

The general criteria for application includes:

submitting a copy of the company’s registration

certificate obtained at the companies registry in

Belmopan followed by completing a trade license

application form and then attending an interview

with the Trade License Board. According to the

Act the business owner must be developing in a

designated “commercial area” of the city. Fees

are calculated based on annual rental value of the

property and should be divided by sectors. The

maximum rate charged is 25% of rental value for

businesses that are usually engaged in gaming or

operate as monopolies. The final approval of a

trade license is based on the recommendation of

the Trade Licensing Board responsible for each

town or city. Note that trade license applications

are approved quarterly unless a $150 fee is paid for

a special meeting to convene and review an

application.

Nearing the end of 2012 members of BCCI, for the

most part in Belize City raised concerns about

sharp increases in trade license fees. Ever since,

BCCI has been advocating for an explanation and

lowering of the excessive proposed 2013 increase

in fees. On behalf of its members, BCCI wrote to

the Mayor of the Belize City Council (BCC)

expressing concerns and was advised that there is

provision for appeal in the Act and that a list of

egregious increases can be submitted for his

review. Nearing the end of December 2012, there

was no response from BCC and therefore the

secretariat contacted the city’s valuator for his

advice on how members should proceed. He

informed us that we would get a response in

writing by January 4, 2013 after a meeting with the

Mayor. He stated that members should still make

their payments by December 31, 2012 stating that

any decrease in the trade license would be credited

to the next year’s fees. By law, the payments for

Trade License for 2013 are due on December 31,

2012 before the beginning of a new calendar/

business year. BCCI had requested that trade

license fees should be made for 2013 in the same

sum that was previously paid for 2012 suggesting

that revaluation of the business properties

should follow and that if there was in fact an

increase then the difference would be paid.

In order to substantiate its case, BCCI conducted a

survey of 68 Belize City Members which revealed

that the increases in trade license fees ranged

from 7% – 246% when compared to the 2012 fees.

The findings presented to the Mayor are

represented graphically below. Data is presented

for 2012 as well as 2013 for comparison.

BCCI Members who experienced the 10 highest

increases in trade license fees ranged from 112%

to264% . The ten companies are referred to as

company 1 - 10 on the (x) axis to maintain their

anonymity while the (y) axis shows the increase

in dollar value. The greatest increase in

descending order was 264% followed by 200%,

186%, 155%, 142%, company 7 and 8 both

experienced a 136% increase, followed by 125% and

112% respectively. Mayor Bradley responded to the

concerns of BCCI findings citing that he is well

within the law and business owners were paying

less than what the law provides for all along. An

across the board 25% of rental value seemed

eminent as the trade license fee in Belize City.

After the increased trade license fees were levied,

some businesses indicated that they will be forced

to take stringent measures. Closing the doors for

business is the most drastic decision. Other

members were proposing to seek bank financing

to pay their fees or alternately use funds that were

previously allocated more productively. It is

evident that businesses will be forced to lay off

employees to meet these costs and forego planned

investment for expansion. This cannot be good for

any part of the economy.

After consultation with its membership and a

meeting with Minister Godwin Hulse, BCCI

formulated its position. It proposes that trade

license be treated as a license and not as a tax. This

would require changes made to the law which

would apply to all municipalities although Belize

City is the hardest hit. Businesses can survive

better through the rough times if they can plan;

they can also adjust more quickly if they know

Cont. from page 4

5

what to expect. Being unable to predict in this

environment makes the cost of doing business very

expensive especially considering that full payment

for trade license fees are made in advance. A

system that allows for monthly or at the least,

6

Cont. from page 5

quarterly payments would be more feasible.

In conclusion, BCCI continues to lobby for an

explanation and lowering of excessive trade

license fees. A change in legislation appears to be

the most viable means of achieving this objective

along with a review of the existing systems in

each municipality. We aim for elimination of

arbitrariness, and ambiguity in property valuation

and calculation of rental value which we believe

will create a more transparent and equitable

system.

5 7

No one can deny that the past five years have been

challenging on most businesses and entire

industries. No longer are businesses in a position to

predict sustained growth year over year. The

increase cost of doing business, increase in

unemployment, increase in cost of consumer goods

including major commodities such as fuel,

decreased disposable income, and a more cost

conscious consumer has created even more

challenges for businesses and industries locally and

around the globe.

The challenge in business today is how to grow year

over year and improve the bottom-line considering

the aforementioned challenges, economic and

global issues. The following is not meant to be

prescriptive but a refresher of some useful

management tips to manage through challenging

times.

POINT #1: CASH MANAGEMENT—The term “cash is

king” can never be argued with. Manage your cash

flow especially as it relates to accounts receivables

and inventory levels.

POINT #2: THINK RISK MANAGEMENT—Ask what

ifs. Look at all the risks in your business including

those in the environment and determine how you

can mitigate or lessen their impact on your

business. Mitigating risks can lead to improved

management all around.

POINT #3 CUSTOMER SERVICE—There is no

more important a time than the present to

engage your customers and consumers and to

ensure that you and your team are providing the

best possible service and products. Take the

time to listen to your customers and consumers

and use this information to better inform your

plans and marketing initiatives.

POINT #4 “WIN THROUGH PEOPLE” - People are

our most important asset. This is the time to

motivate and train your team. Take the time to

communicate your plans and strategies with

your team and solicit their input. There is no

more important a time than now to get your

team engaged and focused on delivering on

your company’s growth objectives. Provide

incentives for key deliverables. See people as

investment and not a cost.

POINT #6 DON’T DO WHAT YOU DID BEFORE –

chances are that what you did before won’t

necessarily work. Challenge your team to be

innovative and try new approaches to reaching

consumers and delivering your products and

services.]

POINT #7 COSTS – DON’T JUST CUT—Don’t cut

marketing and training. These are areas of

needed investment in challenging times. This is

the time to increase and motivate innovation

not the time to reduce it.

Contributing Editor: Mr. Alberto Young, V.P. Commerce, BCCI

8

POINTER #8: A TIME FOR INNOVATION—Perhaps surprisingly, a recession demands more products and

bringing to the table focused innovation - possibly at even greater rates than when an economy is

growing. You will probably find that your customers (and their needs) will undergo frequent change as

we progress through a recession. Don't assume an inward focus. Think about going out and finding out

how your customers plan to survive and grow. Spot new emerging customer sectors.

POINTER #9: REALITY CHECK—In preparing your annual business plans be realistic about the future state

of the local and global economy. Avoid being over optimistic and focus on the real growth potential of

your organization given the current factors and environment.

POINTER #10: COMMUNICATE AND CONNECT—Communicate with your employees regularly and solicit

their feedback. Communicate with your customers and consumers and ensure you connect with them.

Information is critical in influencing your team’s decision making and eventual planning and execution.

In conclusion the stronger your business is, the less likely it is to be affected by economic shocks risks or

unforeseen events. Strengthening your business consistently doesn't just involve financial management.

It should also include strategies to engage your consumers by retaining them through regular contact

with them either via your marketing campaign or customer service programs, keep morale and energies

high amongst your staff and improve business practices.

You should also look for opportunities to network and form alliances; and keep in regular contact with

your Belize Chamber of Commerce and ensure you participate.

Cont. from page 7

9

TO CONNECT

Your Chamber for the fourth consecutive year,

partnered with the Income Tax Department which

spearheaded the 4th Revenue Fair on January 14th and

15th, 2013, simultaneously held in Belize City, San Pedro

Town, Orange Walk Town, Belmopan City, San Ignacio

Town and Punta Gorda Town. The Chamber supported

this initiative and participated in Belize City and Punta

Gorda Town to educate the general public about the

various taxes in Belize and at the same time used it as a

means to share what the Chamber stands for and has to

offer businesses.

As a another means to connect our members, we

grabbed hold of the opportunity to collaborate with

“The Tourist Belize” to offer exciting marketing and

advertising prospects to our members in the Tourism

and related industries. The Tourist Belize is a new line of

board and video game which includes businesses and

attractions, activities and sites that

promote Tourism destinations in

Belize such as Hotels, Restaurants,

Archeological Reserves, Museums,

Art Galleries and stores to name a

few. This game package is targeted

to both the local and international markets and will be a

souvenir for visitors as well as a gift item to share what

Belize has to offer including Doing Business in Belize,

Belize’s History and its Cultural Heritage. The Tourist

Belize has also gained the full support from The Belize

Tourism Board (BTB), National Institute of Culture and

History (NICH), Belize Tourism Industry Association

(BTIA), Belize Hotels Association (BHA) and Atlantic

Bank Ltd.

We also organized the first Business Connex for the

Belize Petroleum Association (BPA) where we

connected our members to the new initiatives of the

BPA. A sensitization presentation was made and a

video was shown to illustrate how oil is explored and

obtained from the earth. Our members fully engaged

at the end of the session with questions and

concerns. BPA continues to carry out its mission to

serve as an unified voice in advocating for the

responsible exploration of oil and gas.

BCCI also took its first step in hosting the first

Finance Expo on March 14th and 15th, 2013 where we

brought financial institutions at one location along

with those big ticket items, a person dreams of

having to complete the happiness in one’s life. The

Expo showcased banks and credit unions, offering

the best loan rates for that new vehicle, building that

Contributing Editor: Ms. Yorshabell Cattouse, Manager of Member Relations

BPA Business Connex Meeting, Feb 28th, 2013

10

dream home, improving one’s home, furthering ones

education, healthcare and much more.

TO CAPACITATE

We gained 5 additional sponsors to this year’s

Chamber discount card 2013, adding to the

accumulative total of 22 business members who

vouched to offer their goods/services at discounted

rates to fellow members of the Chamber.

BCCI also started the year in having its first capacity

building training entitled: “Records Management”

on January 16th, followed by “Professional

Etiquette” held first in Belmopan on Feb 20th and on

Feb 26th in Belize City.

Cont. from page 9

On March 13th, the Writing and Analyzing Financial

Reports training was held. These are only the first

three (3) trainings held out of the 22 scheduled this

year. We offer capacity building trainings for first

entry employees right up to the top level:

management: Business Owners, Managers,

Supervisors, and Executives, in the areas of

Customer Care, Sales, Marketing, Management,

Finance, to name a few.

Members of our Executive Council openly

participated on TV/Radio talk shows to share with

the general public the private sector’s position on

issues affecting the business community.

TO CHAMPION

The Chamber released correspondences voicing

the private sector’s concern on issues such as

the trade license, super bond, access to finance,

governance, accountability and transparency

affecting the sustainability of businesses and the

Belize economy. When the wage dispute

11

between the Public sector Union and Government of

Belize (GOB) arose, BCCI encouraged for the Trade

Unions and the GOB to come to an understanding

that will be beneficial and sustainable to the Belize

economy and taxpayers. Members got an

opportunity to engage in an export finance survey to

champion the need to access finance and take

advantage of export opportunities.

Members have also geared up to participate in the

consultation and the negotiation process for the

upcoming trade agreement between Belize and

El Salvador.

The BCCI continues to work diligently in being the

voice of the business community and through our

triple C philosophy: To Connect, Capacitate and

Champion, we aim at achieving the best for you.

12

The Belize Chamber of Commerce & Industry

this year launched its 2013 promotion of the

Treasure Chest. The Treasure Chest spun off

the Bonanza which ran from September to

December 2012 to celebrate our 20th

anniversary of doing business in Belize. The

grand prize of a round trip ticket from Belize

to the Continental U.S.A. courtesy of United

Airlines was won by Ms. Ireland.

The new Treasure Chest Promotion will run

from March 2013 to December 2013 where

customers who visit any BCCI location

countrywide will get an opportunity to win

fabulous prizes. The prizes range from gift

baskets to International airline tickets. This

year’s loyalty partners include: Amigos del

Mar, Belizean Handicraft Center, Casa Arena,

Dream Valley, Grace Kennedy Belize, Just One

Cakes, Mel’s Therapeutic Spa, Nibbles and Bits,

Tropic Airlines, Santiago Castillo,

Sharon’s Point of Beauty, Sigertronics, and United

Airlines.

The BCCI Western Union takes the opportunity to inform

its customers and the general public that we have been

directed by Central Bank that effective March of this

year, customers will need to bring either their social

security card or passport to conduct Western Union

business. Residency cards, drivers license or Cedulas are

no longer acceptable forms of identification for Western

Union transactions.

Contributing Editor: Ms. Danette Burns, Western Union Manager

13

As reported in our previous edition of the Business Perspective the dynamics of the Chamber staff has been

evolving and no truer words have been spoken. The secretariat has had to be creative in filling the gaps

created by staff movement. Kudos to the staff who took on the challenge and additional responsibility so as

not to compromise the level of service the Chamber offers to its constituents.

Congratulations to Mrs. Sharon Smiling who has assumed the responsibilities of the Manager Finance and

Administration since Mr. Clinton Williams former Director of Administration has relocated to the United

States. Miss Yorshabell Cattouse has taken the role of Membership Manager since the previous Director -

Mrs. Vanessa Peyrefitte has moved on. Yorshabell has seven years experience in the membership

department. Other moves in the secretariat include: Ms. Shaunique Flowers who has been promoted to the

post of Account Clerk; Mrs. Venesia Neal has been promoted from Accounts Clerk to Senior Accounts Clerk.

Ms. Ruth Romero – Senior Administrator has assumed some administration and Human Resources duties

that were previously done by the Director of Administration.

Ms. Delmi Novelo has courageously stepped up to the plate to undertake the PR/Marketing duties. Ms. Gina

Reyes – Administrative Assistant has assumed responsibility for the overall operations of the McField

Conference Centre in addition to her other duties.

Our Western Union arm has welcomed a new Customer Service Representative, Mr. Akmar Codd and the

Membership department has welcomed a Membership Assistant – Ms. Leticia Herrera.

It goes without saying that our staff is second to none. We continue to work together to ensure the best

possible service is provided to you, our members. This is our Chamber and we are proud to be a part of it!

“The one who creates a positive environment in all situations will be presented with countless opportunities.”

The Business Perspective is compiled and produced

by the BCCI Secretariat

Editor-in-Chief: Producer: Mrs. Kim Aikman Mrs. Kim Aikman Contributing Editorials Ms. Kay Menzies Mrs. Marilyn Pinelo Lee Design & Layout: Mr. Alberto Young Vanessa Peyrefitte Ms. Yorshabell Cattouse Delmi Novelo Ms. Ruth Romero Mrs. Sharon Smiling Ms. Danette Burns

Copyright 2013, All rights reserved

Contributing Editor: Ms. Ruth Romero & Mrs. Sharon Smiling, Human Resources

14