June 2025

Honoring Fathers

June 2025

Monthly Newsletter

👔 Honoring the Fathers of Big Creek Group

Last month, we proudly celebrated the incredible mothers of Big Creek Group — the nurturing, multitasking heroes who shape our lives in so many ways. This month, we shift our focus to the other half of the parenting duo — the fathers.

Fatherhood is a journey of strength, sacrifice, and silent dedication. It’s waking up early, staying up late, and being a constant source of support and wisdom. Whether it's offering guidance, lending a helping hand, or simply being a reliable presence, fathers play a critical role both at home and within our organization.

At Big Creek Group, we are fortunate to have fathers who embody hard work, responsibility, and compassion. They are leaders not only in their families, but also in the workplace — showing up, pushing through challenges, and always giving their best for the benefit of those around them.

From the new dads just beginning this exciting journey, to the seasoned fathers with years of experience and stories to share — we see you, we appreciate you, and we honor your contributions.

As we celebrate Father’s Day, let’s take a moment to thank the dads of Big Creek Group for the many hats they wear: provider, protector, teacher, coach, fixer, and friend. Your efforts make a lasting impact, and we are grateful to have you as part of our family.

Here's to a well-deserved celebration of all the fathers and father figures in our lives. May your day be filled with appreciation, love, and time well spent with those who matter most.

Happy Father’s Day from all of us at Big Creek Group!

🤔 Did you know?

The Devaluation That Sparked a Movement – June 1949

Did you know that in June 1949, the Belize dollar (then British Honduras dollar) was devalued by the colonial government without warning, reducing its value from $4.80 to $2.80 per pound sterling?

This sudden move drastically reduced the purchasing power of the Belizean people. Everyday goods became more expensive overnight, and many could no longer afford basic necessities. This economic blow deeply affected working-class Belizeans and sparked widespread outrage, especially among merchants, laborers, and farmers.

But it didn’t end there. The devaluation became a turning point in our history — it ignited the nationalist movement. Out of this discontent rose strong voices and organized resistance, leading to the formation of the People’s Committee, which would later become the People’s United Party (PUP). That movement laid the foundation for Belize's push for self-governance and eventual independence.

Why It Matters Today

Though it happened over 70 years ago, the 1949 devaluation teaches us a valuable lesson about economic policy, transparency, and the power of unity. It reminds us that financial decisions made without public involvement can have serious, lasting effects — and that an informed and united people can drive meaningful change.

As Belize continues to navigate modern economic challenges, from global inflation to tariff issues, it's important to reflect on our past and remain engaged in shaping our financial future.

Understanding our history helps us build a more resilient and self-reliant Belizean society.

🌱Latest in Agriculture News: Belize's Coconut Industry Charts a Strategic Path Forward🌴

Belize's coconut sector is gaining momentum! Under the FAO’s One Country One Priority Product (OCOP) initiative, the National Task Force recently met to finalize a strategic plan to grow and strengthen the coconut industry.

With rising global demand, Belize is aiming to increase coconut production, add value to local products, and boost exports to markets like the U.S., Canada, and Europe. The plan includes a development strategy, roadmap, and investment guide to drive sustainable growth.

Key stakeholders, including the Ministry of Agriculture, BELTRAIDE, CARDI, farmers, and processors, are working together to make this vision a reality.

The future looks bright—and tropical—for Belize’s coconut industry!

Source: https://www.fao.org/one-country-one-priority-product/news-and-events/news/national-task-force-charts-strategic-path-for-belize-s-coconut-industry-under-ocop-initiative/en

⚓Honoring Our Crew: Day of the Seafarer🚢

Every year on June 25th, the world pauses to recognize the dedication and resilience of those who sail our seas—it’s the Day of the Seafarer.

At Big Creek Group, we take this moment to proudly celebrate the hardworking seafarers who are at the heart of our maritime operations. From navigating vessels to ensuring safe and efficient cargo movement, our seafarers play a crucial role in keeping Belize connected to global trade.

Your long hours, professionalism, and unwavering commitment do not go unnoticed. Whether onshore or offshore, your efforts power the success of our port and contribute meaningfully to the national economy.

To all our seafarers—thank you for your service, strength, and skill. Today, we salute you!

Positive Thought of the Month

"By the time a man realizes that maybe his father was right, he usually has a son who thinks he’s wrong."

— Charles Wadsworth

This quote offers a touching reminder about the cycle of understanding between generations. As we grow older, many of us begin to see the wisdom in our parents' words—lessons that once seemed overprotective or unnecessary now ring with truth.

This Father’s Month, let’s take a moment to appreciate the guidance, patience, and quiet strength that fathers often bring to our lives. Whether we agreed with them then or understand them now, their efforts helped shape who we are today.

To all the dads, mentors, and father figures—thank you for your steady presence and the lessons that live on through generations.🌟

🐷Pibil Fest 2025: A Celebration of Maya Culinary Heritage🌿

On June 30, the village of Progresso in the Corozal District will host the annual Pibil Fest, a vibrant celebration honoring the traditional Maya dish, pibil. The term "pibil" comes from the Maya word meaning "buried," referring to the ancient cooking method where pork is marinated, wrapped in banana leaves, and slow-cooked in an underground pit.

Attendees can indulge in this flavorful delicacy and enjoy a variety of cultural activities, including music, dance, and local crafts. Pibil Fest offers a unique opportunity to experience Belize's rich culinary traditions and community spirit.

Don't miss this chance to savor authentic Maya cuisine and celebrate Belizean culture!

Riddle me this ...

Previous Riddle: Map

I speak without a mouth and hear without ears. I have no body, but I come alive with wind. What am I?

🤔

Answer revealed in upcoming issue.

👟June's Wellness Tip: Track Your Steps!

At Big Creek Group, many of us are on the move throughout the day—whether it’s walking between buildings, checking on equipment, or running errands around the port. But have you ever wondered how many steps you actually take?

Tracking your steps is a great way to stay mindful of your daily activity and can even motivate you to move more. Using a fitness tracker, smartwatch, or a simple mobile app helps you monitor progress and set goals—whether it's 5,000, 8,000, or even 10,000 steps a day.

Why not challenge yourself this month? Take a few extra laps around the office or do a quick walk after lunch. Every step adds up—and your body and mind will thank you!

Let’s keep each other moving and motivated here at Big Creek Group—one step at a time! 👣

The Port Hub⚓

Discussing all things Maritime 🚢

🌊 The Port Hub: Women Navigating New Horizons in Maritime

The maritime industry in Belize is experiencing a transformative wave, with women increasingly taking on pivotal roles as captains, engineers, and policy-makers. This shift not only promotes gender equality but also brings diverse perspectives and skills to the forefront, enhancing the industry's overall efficiency and innovation.

Leaders like Jaeda Sutherland, President of the Women in Maritime Association Caribbean (WiMAC) Belize Chapter, emphasize the importance of creating equitable opportunities:

"While the doors are slowly opening, our job now is to make sure that women have a fair chance to walk through them."

Similarly, Valarie Lanza, Deputy Managing Director at the International Merchant Marine Registry of Belize (IMMARBE), highlights the untapped potential:

"Despite progress, women are still underrepresented in maritime—especially in technical and leadership roles."

As the industry faces a talent shortage, integrating more women into maritime professions is not just a matter of equity but a strategic move to harness a broader range of talents and perspectives.

At Big Creek Group, we recognize and support these advancements, understanding that a diverse workforce is key to navigating the future of maritime with resilience and innovation.

🦺June’s Safety Tip: Foster a Culture of Safety⚠️

At Big Creek Group, safety goes beyond rules and protocols—it’s a shared mindset.

Every team member plays a role in creating a safe and supportive work environment. From reporting hazards to lending a hand during an emergency, staying alert and looking out for one another helps protect everyone.

✅ Make sure you know where first aid supplies are located.
✅ Encourage others to speak up about safety concerns.
✅ Take part in safety drills and consider joining basic first aid training if offered.

When safety becomes part of our everyday culture, we build a workplace where everyone feels confident, prepared, and protected. Let's keep safety a team effort!

The Executive Brief💼

The Sinews of Government Deficits, The Health of The Nation and The Wellbeing of Its Citizens

- Anuar J. Flores

This paper aims to stimulate discussion on the pros and cons of the principles of Modern Monetary Theory (MMT) in the context of a government with monetary sovereignty.

It aims to:

·Make a case for its applicability to Belize as an “Issuer of Currency” with significant monetary sovereignty.

·Emphasize that a budgetary deficit is not an immediate cause for concern.

·Create the awareness that other important deficits exist in a country and recognize them as critical to the success or failure of a nation and the happiness of its people.

·Create the awareness that one person’s spending is another’s income.The government’s spending represents money in the hands of the people.Nothing can be bad about this.It simply completes the concept of double entry bookkeeping.

·Make the clear distinction between an “Issuer of Currency” and a “User of Currency”, a government with monetary sovereignty and a household or business.

·Dismiss the practice of treating taxation as revenue to offset government spending or bridging the deficit gap.

·Create the awareness that money was introduced into circulation before taxation; therefore, taxation should not be considered revenue but a tool to control inflation.

This paper hopes to sway perception, if even only a little, on the way government view and interpret its budgetary deficit.It hopes to broaden the understanding of what budgetary deficit truly represents and bring about a paradigm shift in hegemonic monetary & fiscal policy as practiced in Belize.

Common Sense – A Sixth Sense

Common sense is said to be a sixth sense we depend on to draw on the beliefs, experiences and norms that are imbedded in our being, our “five senses”.It is usually a conclusion that we draw with absolute certainty; hence, it is referred to as common sense.Everybody should know this.Of course, this is the furthest thing from the truth, but it is so difficult to penetrate with any new idea or suggestion.You see, we use filters to process data. We take certain things for granted when we encounter new data.We simply accept or reject the new data based on whether it contradicts or coincides with what we think we already know, our “common Sense”.Many times, we rely on our common sense even when we are disadvantaged by it.This is how powerful it is but doesn’t mean it is correct.It is critical and important to extract from common sense what is good sense.

These beliefs and norms are so strong that people use them to conclude that they know exactly how certain things work, how government finances operate, how things should be done and what rules to follow.But never question who made the rules?Where did they come from?Is there a better way? Any suggestion that challenges this status quo is looked upon with significant doubt and uncertainty even to the point of dismissing critical thinking.The reality is that change is never easy.

I urge you to approach this paper with an open mind.

Executive Summary

I would like to share with you the concept of Modern Monetary Theory (MMT) as a thought-provoking theory that may pique your interest.

Can you imagine what it could mean for Belize’s development, if government would only change its perspective on its annual financial budgetary deficit?

Looking at the economy from a different perspective can have a huge impact on Belize’s development but we continue to limit our imagination.We continue to be guided by what I refer to as “Common Sense” and this has inhibited our growth.We have been too restrictive, fearing imbalances in revenue and spending.We need to reshape the narrative around government fiscal deficits.After all, these are just numbers in an accounting journal.These numbers do not represent the Belizean people; however, they influence the decisions government makes resulting in the suffering of the people and the economy.These decisions should be a part of a "balancing act" regarding the well-being of the Belizean people.

The key to managing a fiscal deficit is to strategically increase the deficit to a point where it has a positive impact on the people and the economy while controlling inflation.According to MMT economist, a deficit is just a deficit unless it causes inflation.

We must open our minds and understand the benefits of an MMT strategy and unravel the true meaning of public deficits and why financial budgetary deficits should not be an immediate cause for concern.

This paradigm shift emphasizes that a financial budgetary deficit means a surplus in the hands of Belizeans. Treating domestic spending as a tax burden on the people is the wrong approach many governments continue to pursue. Government finances, particularly in the case of governments with monetary sovereignty, should not be constrained by tax revenues.

At the heart of MMT is the recognition that the historical origin of money in circulation lies in the issuance of fiat currency by governments for public use before taxes are collected. This historical perspective challenges the traditional assumption that taxes are the primary means of financing government spending.

Taxes are a means, not a source of income. The issuance of money in circulation preceded taxation.

It is customary for governments to tax and/or borrow before spending; therefore, governments see a financial budgetary deficit as a reason to impose more burdensome taxes to cover the shortfall or cutback on much needed spending, when in fact, a deficit, if the result of strategic spending on infrastructure, healthcare, and education contributes to the Belizean people's well-being.Lack of health care, lack of infrastructure, and lack of education are deficits too and are equally important.Therefore, giving all the attention to a financial deficit without recognizing these equally important deficits is where government’s have been going wrong.

Belize has a significant degree of monetary sovereignty.This gives Belize more flexibility to address the economic challenges the people and country face.

The government is the issuer of currency while households, businesses and the people are users of currency. This makes the government less subject to fiscal constraints. This is a breakthrough influencing how deficits should be viewed, understood, and interpreted.

As a currency issuer, there is no shortage of currency. However, this does not mean a government can spend recklessly. If deficits can be managed effectively, broader economic objectives can be achieved.

Establishing a job guarantee program where government acts as employer of last resort can help stabilize the economy and maximize the country’s economic potential.Government’s financing of such an initiative will no doubt grow the deficit, but full employment contributes to social stability and gives meaning and dignity to all citizens.

People feel valued and reduce the economic and social inequalities created by widespread unemployment. A job for every Belizean brings purchasing power to the community, creating a positive domino effect throughout the economy. When individuals earn, spend, and invest, they generate economic activity that supports small businesses and contributes to overall prosperity.

Remember that a deficit means a surplus in the hands of the people.

MMT recognizes that inflation is a legitimate concern but argues that inflation can be controlled through targeted, strategic spending, taxation, and other fiscal measures.

A budget deficit allows governments to prioritize investments in critical areas such as health care, education, and social infrastructure.

In summary, budget deficits should not be an immediate cause for concern if used for strategic purposes. Serious consideration, time, and effort should be given to understand the benefits of adopting modern monetary theory in Belize. This requires a careful balance between increased government spending and the overall health of the economy.

🍫 Things You Might Have Missed: The Chocolate Festival of Belize

As if May wasn't sweet enough, the annual Chocolate Festival of Belize added a delicious twist to the end of the month!

Held every Commonwealth weekend in the charming southern town of Punta Gorda—also known as the chocolate capital of Belize—this three-day celebration was a chocoholic’s dream come true. Local chocolatiers from across the country showcased mouth-watering creations, from rich desserts to cacao-infused dishes, alongside artisan crafts and live entertainment.

Originally named the Toledo Cacao Festival, the event pays tribute to the historic value of cacao, once used as currency by the Maya. Today, it also promotes sustainable tourism in the region while highlighting the cultural beauty of southern Belize. The grand finale? A celebration at the majestic Maya site of Nim Li Punit.

If you missed it this year, don’t worry—you’ve now got a full year to plan your trip to indulge your sweet tooth and experience a slice of Belizean culture!

🌾 National Agriculture & Trade Show 2025: A Celebration of Belizean Ingenuity

The National Agriculture & Trade Show (NATS) 2025 is here again—a vibrant tradition that showcases the heart of Belize’s agricultural strength, entrepreneurial spirit, and cultural richness!

While BEL-AGRO will not have a stall at this year’s showgrounds, we still encourage our Big Creek Group family to head out and take part in one of the most anticipated events of the year. From farm-fresh produce and locally crafted goods to livestock displays, competitions, food vendors, and live music—NATS offers something for everyone.

It’s the perfect opportunity to support Belizean farmers, small businesses, and innovators while enjoying a fun-filled weekend with family and friends.

Let’s continue to celebrate and support the people who help feed and fuel our nation. See you at NATS 2025!