Initially a logging center during British colonial rule, Belize City’s growth was centered around the lucrative logwood trade. “The city also served as a focal point for transatlantic trade and has some measure of African heritage that continues to influence our culture and community,” Mayor Wagner shares. Despite Belize City’s initial role as the nation’s capital, the devastation brought by Hurricane Hattie in 1961 forced the capital to relocate to Belmopan, 52 miles inland. THE COMMERCIAL CAPITAL Today, while Belmopan is the capital, Belize City remains the country’s commercial nucleus. It hosts the Central Bank of Belize and numerous other financial institutions. “Belize City still has a great historical significance,” Mayor Wagner notes. “It is where you’ll find the oldest cathedral in the region, St. John’s Anglican Cathedral, a testament to our colonial past.”The city’s colonial architecture, visible in many buildings and landmarks, is integral to its identity. Uniquely positioned as the only English-speaking country on the mainland of Central America, Belize connects both the Caribbean and Central American regions. Mayor Wagner highlights this strategic importance: “We are a bridge between the Caribbean and Central America, with borders connecting us to Mexico and Guatemala. This offers us vast trade, tourism, and international cooperation opportunities.” ECONOMIC ENGINES Belize City’s economy thrives on diverse industries, from finance to tourism and, increasingly, business processing operations (BPOs). “The city is the main financial center, and we’ve seen a surge in BPO activities because of our English-speaking workforce,” Mayor Wagner explains.This growth has created jobs and fostered economic dynamism as Belizeans offer their language skills to global companies. In addition, through initiatives such as the Belize City Council’s Downtown Super Sales, Community Festivals and the Belize City Accelerator Program, the council supports economic growth and fosters an inclusive, resilient economy.“By supporting local businesses, attracting tourism, and providing growth opportunities for entrepreneurs, we strengthen 49 BUSINESS VIEW CARIBBEAN VOLUME 11, ISSUE 11 BELIZE CITY, BLZ
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