In a release this evening, the Port of Belize says, quote, "The Port of Belize (PBL) was forced to make 36 positions redundant. This necessary, but regrettable, action by PBL comes months after a majority of Belizean companies were required by the pandemic to effect furloughs, layoffs, or drastic salary reductions….After witnessing a 94% reduction in cruise vessel related revenue and a 26% reduction in cargo related revenue over the period of April through June, PBL took responsible austerity actions". End quote.

Today, the Attorney General said he doesn't buy the hard times argument:

Notably, the Port of Belize operates under strict ISPS regulations - which does not permit mass gatherings inside the compound or breaches of the fence or main security entrance. And this evening, we have seen documentation from the Belize Port Authority which says the Belize Port authority has ordered a change of the security level.