And one thing that didn't have to be debated in today's budget, was the amendment for the GST to be charged on land preparation for agriculture, harvesting, and crop dusting services. 

On Tuesday PUP Leader John Briceño called the tax change a "stupid idea" - after meeting with various farmers groups.

Well, those same groups got their message to the Prime Minister, who met with the Executive Members of the Belize Agro-Productive Sector (BAPS) Group, and the President of the Chamber of Commerce. A government release states, quote, "the Government…has agreed not to proceed with the Statutory Instrument that would have standard-rated for GST purposes (at the rate of 12.5 %) Land Preparation for Agriculture, Harvesting, and Crop Dusting Services."

Instead, the Chamber President and the BAPS Executive agree to work with the GST Department and their memberships to find other effective ways of dealing with the abuse of this tax loophole and the excessive claims that result from it.