Mel,
The Qualified Retired Persons Incentive Act that went into effect a couple of years ago does help, with tax-free entry of a vehicle, boat, airplane and household goods. And since it's administered by the Belize Tourist Board it offers quick approval. But it has been only modestly successful in attracting retirees so far. Some people don't like being locked into depositing US$2000 a month into a Belize bank. And others, like Sr. Rick who runs Belize North, want to be able to work so they get regular residency.
--Lan Sluder <among my books are Adapter Kit: Belize which is on living, retiring and buying property in Belize)