Hi

I am just wondering, right now they are having a bit of CSME Caribbean Single Market Economy, here in Trinidad. And I was wondering if it would be worth it to register. Technically as I understand it I would be allowed to work in Belize once I could find a job. SO what is the employment like in Belize?

Why Belize- I'm tired of islands.

Here's a Gov't. of Belize press release about CSME.
http://www.belize.gov.bz/pressoffice/press_releases/22-11-2005-4311.shtml

The Belize unemployment rate is stated at 12.9% (2003). That would put our unemployed somewhere in the neighborhood of 20-25,000 persons. Belize City population is app. 70,000.

Population below the poverty line is stated at 33% (1999 est.)

Highly skilled workers are in shortage and those who bring in money that will create jobs for Belizeans are most welcomed.


Free Movement in the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME)

The free movement of skills initiative originated in the 1989 Grand Anse Declaration, but the original concept has been modified over the years in order to facilitate the implementation of this mandate.

Basically, free movement of skills entails the right to seek employment in any Member State and the elimination of the need for work permits and permits of stay.

It is important to note from the outset that free movement is an important pillar of any genuine single market and economy, thus also the CSME.

Article 45 of the revised Treaty of Chaguaramas therefore states that:

"Member States commit themselves to the goal of the free movement of their nationals within the Community".

Furthermore, in Article II, Respect for Fundamental Human Rights and Freedoms, of the Charter of Civil Society, the following is included as one of the fundamental humans rights and freedoms :

"Freedom of movement within the Caribbean Community, subject to such exceptions and qualifications as may be authorised by national law and which are reasonably justifiable in a free and democratic society".

Notwithstanding the above, the Conference decided to implement free movement of skills in a phased approach, but the ultimate goal is free movement for all.

The process of freeing up the movement of all nationals will continue well beyond 31 December 2005 when the key elements of the CSME must be in place.

Definition of Categories for free movement of skills

Graduates are persons who have obtained at least a Bachelor's Degree from a recognised university.

Media Persons are persons whose primary source of income is drawn from media and media-related work or persons who are qualified to enter this field.

Artists are persons who are active in or qualified to enter a particular field of art with the specific purpose to earn a living.

Musicians are persons who are active in or qualified to enter a particular field of music with the specific purpose to earn a living.

Sportspersons are persons who are active in or qualified to enter a particular field of sports with the specific purpose to earn a living as a professional or semi-professional.

Free Movement of University Graduates:

In July 1995 the Conference of Heads of Government agreed that, with effect from January 1996, CARICOM Nationals, who are University Graduates, should be allowed to move freely in the Region for work purposes, thereby eliminating the need for work permits and permits of stay.
In order to operationalise this mandate Member States had to complete a number of legal steps, such as enacting and proclaiming legislation.

The Secretariat tried to facilitate this process by providing Member States with model legislation on the free movement of skills. Member States thus had to adjust the model legislation to their specific domestic needs and enact and proclaim it.

Member States furthermore had to put in place the necessary administrative and procedural framework in order to process applications under their free movement of skills act.

So far, twelve Member States have enacted legislation and put in place the necessary administrative arrangements to give effect to the mandate of the Conference.

Montserrat still needs to undertake the legal steps and put in place the necessary administrative framework, but in order to proceed with these steps entrustment from the United Kingdom is needed.

Antigua and Barbuda is currently correcting a flaw in the order, which operationalised the free movement of skills, so applications can not be processed at this point in time. The expectation is that the processing of applications will resume shortly.

This means that currently University Graduates should be able to work in all Member States without the need for a work permit and permit of stay, except in Montserrat en Antigua and Barbuda.

Free Movement of Artistes, Sports Persons, Musicians and Media Workers:

In July 1996, the Conference expanded the categories of persons allowed free movement for work purposes to include Artistes, Sports Persons, Musicians and Media Workers.

In order to give legal effect to this mandate, Member States also had to or must still enact or amend legislation and put in place the necessary administrative and procedural framework.

Currently, the free movement of these categories is in place in all Member States, except Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Montserrat and St. Kitts and Nevis.

The following criteria will be applied to determine if a person is a media worker, artistes, musicians or sportsperson:

Criteria for Media Workers :

Media persons are persons whose primary source of income is drawn from media and media-related work. Such persons perform functions of :

media managers and administrators


editors and sub-editors


reporters, producers, announcers and broadcasters


camera operators, sound engineering and video technicians, production workers (in the print and electronic media, etc.), graphic artists, cartoonists and photographers


administrators and editorial departments, programming departments and newsrooms


other related personnel whose functions are not here classified

Criteria for Sportspersons

Professional Athletes :
Athletes who are registered or are registering themselves as a professional or semi-professional
Coaches :
Qualifications at a specified level obtained from an International Association or Regional and International Institution as approved by the Regional Federation of the specific Sport
Minimum period of practice and experience at a specified level of the Sport
Affiliation to the respective Sport Federation
The specific Professional Standards for cricket, football and athletic coaches as proposed by the Regional Associations are set out below :

I. Cricket Coaches :

WICB Senior Coaching Certificate


Must have been attached to or involved in coaching at the territorial level (i.e. under 15, under 19, etc.0 within the past 3 years


Affiliated to the National Cricket Association

II. Football Coaches :

Diplomas from reputable institutions, e.g. :
- FIFA Level III Coaching Certificate

- Brazil Football Academy Coaching Diploma

- Football Association of England Coaching Diploma


Practicing within the last 18 months


Affiliated to the National Football Federation

III. Track and Field Coaches :

IAAFCES Level II Coaching Certificate in the following specific areas :
- sprints and hurdles

- middle and long distance running

- throws and jumps

or


A Diploma in Coaching from a reputable Institution


Practical experience within the past 24 months


Affiliated to the National Athletic Association

Criteria for Artistes and Musicians :

I Artistes (visual, plastic, performing, literary, folk, carnival) :

impact in area of activity at community or national


record of awards from professional or national body


record of employment in the field

II Technician (stage managers, road managers, light/sound operators, etc.) :

Impact in area of activity at national level


Track record in specified area


Evidence of special training in the specific field

III Support Staff (road crew, etc.) :

Attachment to Artistes / Musicians

IV Arts Educator who is a Non-University Graduate :

qualifications suitable to the level of operation within the education system


evidence of special training in the specific field

Certificate of Recognition of CARICOM Skills Qualification:

Critical to the process of moving to other Member States for work purposes is the Certificate of Recognition of CARICOM Skills Qualification, which can be obtained from the designated Ministry in your home country or host country.

The designated Ministries in our Community are :
Antigua and Barbuda Ministry responsible for Labour
Barbados Ministry responsible for Immigration / Immigration Department
Belize Ministry responsible for Immigration / Immigration Department
Dominica Ministry responsible for Immigration
Grenada Ministry responsible for Caribbean Community Affairs
Guyana Ministry responsible for Caribbean Community Affairs
Jamaica Ministry responsible for Labour
St. Kitts and Nevis Ministry responsible for National Security and Immigration
Saint Lucia Ministry responsible for Caribbean Community Affairs
St. Vincent and the Grenadines Ministry responsible for Immigration
Suriname Ministry responsible for Labour
Trinidad and Tobago Ministry responsible for Caribbean Community Affairs


The Certificate of Recognition of CARICOM Skills Qualification should facilitate your entry into another Member State. You will be granted a definite entry of six months, if you enter a Member State with a Certificate issued by your home country or a Member State other than the receiving country.

During this time period your qualifications will be reviewed by the receiving country and once that Member State is satisfied that you have met the qualifications, you will be granted indefinite entry.

The designated Ministry in your home or host country can be contacted for information on documents needed and the steps, which you must take to obtain a Certificate of Recognition of CARICOM Skills Qualification.

However, in general, an applicant needs to submit the following information :
- a valid passport;

- certified copies of relevant qualifications;

- police certificate of character.


In the case of artistes, media workers, musicians and sportspersons the following documents will be required in addition to the once mentioned above :
- letters from previous employers, and / or

- letters from national arts, media or sports foundations; and /or

- letters from the Ministry responsible for arts, sports or information


Free movement of the other Chapter III, previously Protocol II categories:

Chapter III of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas provides for the free movement of non-wage earners, either as service providers and/or to establish businesses, including managerial, supervisory and technical staff, and their spouses and immediate family members.

The free movement of these categories will be dealt with as part of the Programme for the Removal of Restrictions, which came into effect on March 1, 2002.

This programme must be completed by December 31, 2005 by all Member States, but by December 31, 2003 and December 31, 2004 some restrictions must have been removed by Member States.

Work permit requirements are the main labour / immigration-related restrictions in this Programme.

Ministries with Responsibility for Free Movement of Skills in Member States

The Free Movement of Skills in not being handled by the same Ministry in each Member State participating in the CARICOM Single Market and Economy, so persons who are planning to move must contact the following designated Ministries for information:
Antigua and Barbuda Ministry responsible for Labour
Barbados Ministry responsible for Immigration/
Immigration Department
Belize Ministry responsible for Immigration
Immigration Department
Dominica Ministry responsible for Immigration
Grenada Ministry responsible for Caribbean Community Affairs
Guyana Ministry responsible for Caribbean Community Affairs
Jamaica Ministry responsible for Labour
St. Kitts and Nevis Ministry responsible for National Security and Immigration
Saint Lucia Ministry responsible for Caribbean Community Affairs
St. Vincent and the Grenadines Ministry responsible for Immigration
Suriname Ministry responsible for Labour
Trinidad and Tobago Ministry responsible for Caribbean Community Affairs

Right so basically I can work if I can find a job.

I suspect that is the hard part. I am a university graduate. I have experience in Market research surveys and as a Financial analyst.

What do you think are my prospects?

Trinigal,

Please send me you resume. We are actively looking for a financial analyst.

humanresources@islandclubresorts.com

Well that was easy!

WOW!

Umm Chapin,

I'm afraid I am not in a position to move immediately, I am sort of looking at my options.

Also financial analyst is a little vague, I'd be interesting in seeing a more detailed job spec.

I have three years experience, basically carrying out trending, gap analysis, forecasting etc.

I have limited experience in an accounting standards sense- ie cannot compile company accounts.

I am actually in the process of getting some further certification.- UK based not UWI.

Thanks for the offer though.

This is my first time ever on a message board, so please be patient. Encouraged by Trinigal's seemingly INSTANT success, I have a question of my own. Does anyone know what it would take for a nurse (RN) from the U.S. to be able to work in

Apparently hit the wrong key and "sent" early - to continue: does anyone know what it would take for a U.S. RN to be able to work in Belize? Or - can anyone tell me what agency to contact to find out? Also - what is the name of the hospital on AC? I've read that there is a fairly new one. Also wondering if there is a nursing shortage in Belize like there is in U.S. Any relevant information will be appreciated.

Trinigal,

please send your resume and we'll go from there. We are filling a number of posts.

humanresources@islandclubresorts.com

OK I sent it, Just remember I am not available til April.

Anyway what is inflation/ Salaries like in Belize?

Chapin, please pm me the details of the job, salary, requirements, and if you are intending to assist your employee get a work permit, etc... if she is not interested I have a 4 yr degree in Business + Financial Management.

NOMAD, there is a nursing shortage in Belize because the US has been headhunting all of our nurses. Contact the Ministry of Health and Public Service: http://www.belize.gov.bz/cabinet/j_coye/welcome.shtml

The nursing schools in the States are back-logged 2 years and the nursing shortage is worldwide, not just in the States.......the job never paid a whole lot until a few years ago. I can understand Belizeans or any other citizen from abroad wanting to come to the States and make the kind of money the hospitals are offering. As far as "head-hunting"...I think not.

Recruiters from the US regularly come to Belize (and other countries, Canada has experienced the same) and offer high paying nursing jobs along with assistance in all immigration requirements. A headhunter is a headhunter is a headhunter no matter what you call them.

"High Paying" seems to be the key to keeping nurses in Belize....that is unless the headhunters kidnap those nurses.

Give me a break, you really think that this country can afford to pay anywhere near what a US hospital would.

Personally I think it's unconscionable to raid a country of nurses and severely impact an already borderline health care system. Poor planning on the US's part should not constitute an emergency for Belizeans.

Typical New World mentality.

Sure. Typical new world mentality to offer better opportunities and MUCH better wages to people from third world countries. How awful.

/sarcasm

I think it is unconscionable to under pay skilled professionals...forcing them to seek work outside the country to provide a good life to their family...I have assisted several Belizeans (who intend to return to Belize in a few years) in finding work in the US.....they are happy......the word "raiding" is the typical norteamericano bashing that seems to negate the indviduals right to "choose" their own destiny. A Registered Nurse in the States can make $40-60 US.............are they traitors? I think not. The most ludicrous issue is "offering better opportunities and much better wages to people from 3rd world countries". I guess the alternative is preferred for people from 3rd world nations.......keeping them in their place....sounds like the Bush administration.

I've been vacationing/pursuing work in Belize at least once a year for the past 6. I don't expect to make the money I make in the US, but would like to at least extend my vacations and continue twice yearly visits. I hope to eventually be accepted by the Ministry of Health and be able to work some when I'm in Belize. I'm a registered nurse and involved in a program shipping medical supplies/drugs from my hospital to the clinic on San Pedro. My daughter, a school teacher, went to SP with me early this year, she started a job with the school system there on SP in August. I think I will have to change careers !! I know that I would be lucky to make the salary that she makes on SP, a fraction of what I'm paid here in the US. I am in close contact with medical personnel on SP, and some are still pursuing their physician licensing - after several years. If you find out something different for RN's, drop me a line. In the meantime, my daughter is living my dream...

What about mathematicians ?
Is there a demand for math professors, or mathematicians ?
I have a PhD in math, living in Toronto now.

In advance, thank you

Plenty of openings for teachers but the salary will not be enough for you to live on unless you live like a Belizean and love rice and beans 24/7

But what is the salary?
And perhaps what do you need to live on. I mean like a Belizean.

For instance in Trinidad about $800US Gross would be just about enough pay for rent and food.
Tax is 25% flat.

As for the math professors I know Belize has its own university so check that out andy.

Trinigal,
I checked the site of Univ of Belize, but it's so poorly done (actually, by some French students), not
much about faculty staff, or lectures. Anyway, would be nice to know how much a math professor can make in SP, or other parts of Belize - elementary, high school, or college level.
Thank you

I used to correspond with someone from there for work, if you are really interested send me a pm and I will get it for you

I have been to Belize, actually Ambergris Caye, and am interested in moving there for at least a year. I have a BA in Marketing, and am currently the Marketing & Economic Development Director for our City. Almost every site that I've been on just shows 'vacationing' information.

How is the job market in A.C. and how are the living expenses (and could I even find an apartment to rent)?

Also, can I just pack up and go, or are there certain paperwork and documents needed before actually living there?

you can live here, but not work here immediately. You will have to get your passport stamped each month behind FIDO's at immigrations. You must have a work permit to work.

do a search on this site for working and work permits, there is a lot of info.

I saw that information about obtaining a work permit... but was hoping I could get around it. It said it takes several months! There goes my dream of running away to A.C.!! AHHH!! (Well, at least until I get a work permit.)

I couldn't even work at a hotel or bar or anything???

no, you don't want to go around it. no, not a hotel or bar. definately not. you do not want to break the laws and rules and then have to leave this wonderful place. If you must work when you get here, work on getting your permit before coming. If you start your own business employing Belizeans it will be even easier.
If really interested don't rely on info that could be outdated regarding wait times for a permit before throwing away a dream. Contact immigrations or wait for a few who will have more info to tell you who to contact. There are a few I think might add some info here.

Don't say "there goes my dream of running away to AC" so quick." If it is really a dream you will make it happen. I did. What do you do for work now?

Getting your work permit usually depends on how motivated your employer is to get you started. If you apply on your own for your own business, that is a different story.

I work for the Mayor in my City doing downtown revitalization and marketing (coordinating events and such.)

Don't think I'm crazy, but... How hard is it to obtain citizenship? That was an option that I was thinking about... but wasn't sure on the details. Just wondering your thoughts...

dabunk: I intend on applying for jobs while I'm there... and looking right before I leave. Would that give me problems in obtaining the work permit?

That all depends on who wants to employ you. But you also have to be there for the interview process. But then you get your permit 2 or 3 months later, unless your boss knows how to pull some strings. Citizenship is a different matter. First you have to live in country for 12 months consequitive before you can even apply. Then the process takes from 6 to 12 month to get approval which requires meetings with police and interviews with immigration as well as complete physicals and blood and HIV testing. It is much better if you stay in country during this process or your paperwork will get lost and the process stops. Then after your residency is approved you must live in the country for a total of 5 years before you can apply for citizenship. Dual citizenship with the US is allowed.

On the timing side it's never taken me more than 6 weeks to obtain a self-employed work permit and as little as 3 and I never used a broker. Your residency application can take a very long time, mine took 13 months. I've been told, and I have to find out if it's true, that citizenship can be applied for after 5 years of living in Belize, not necessarily 5 years after obtaining your residency.

hey Simon how much did your residenty cost? i heard that you can get it quicker if you pay more $$$, and what did you do until then? ( just renew your stay every month or so?, and does every one who has a job have to get a work permit that is not Belizean.

You pay more if you go through a broker. I did mine on my own and paid exactly what is specified by the government, not a penny more. The last one I did cost $1500BZ for the year, the price has gone up since then.

When you renew your VISA at immigration after your first 30 days it's clearly stamped "Permitted to remain on condition that the holder does not enter into employment paid or unpaid, does not engage in any business or profession without the consent of the director of immigration and does not remain in Belize longer than the..."

If you are not a Belizean resident you must have a work permit to work.

Back to my first question at the top of the forum, how do the work permit rules apply to me as a Caricom national?

As for Chapin's offer- still waiting for a job description.

Pretty much the same from what I'm reading, you still have to apply to Immigration.

SimonB - thanks for the info. It sounds grueling. How is one supposed to stay long enough to obtain a work permit if you're not allowed to work until you get the work permit (Catch22)? I'm not financially set up to be able to do that. I will contact the Ministry of Health and see what I can find out though. I do know what you mean about "headhunters". I have worked with nurses here in the U.S. from many different countries that were actively recruited. On the other hand, you can't blame them for wanting better. Personally, I would be willing to give up alot of $$$ for the peace of mind, serenity and general human kindness that I experienced on AC - but a person does still have to eat.

DESERTRAT - are you by any chance from New Mexico? I am originally and I call myself a desertrat all the time.

Doing it the self employed way you have to have enough money to support yourself and establish your own business. I came down with a fair amount of cash on which I was able to live on while I got things started and until business was enough to support myself.

In a nursing position I would think most everything could be taken care of before you arrive.

Hey guys... so everything that I've been researching is saying what yall are saying... that it will take a while to get my work permit, and I'll have to be there for awhile NOT WORKING and living on whatever I bring. To actually LIVE there and VACATION there are two different things... how much $$ would it take to live 1 month??

And... are there any jobs in Marketing, event planning or something w/ the government in AC? or are the jobs better in Belize City?

To live on the island for 1 month your rent is going to be much higher because you're looking at a short term rental, you'll probably eat out and socialize a lot for your first month so I would say at least $2-3000US. Contact the BTB for the type of jobs you're looking at.

Thanks for all the help, but I have decided when I am serious about moving, I will go to the CSME and find out.

How is the job market for someone with hands-on residential construction skills? I have built many homes from the ground up with my own hands.

What is the BTB?

Belize Tourist Board

neorentals: Go to the island and look around at the construction projects.....(1) you're a fish out of water, (2) you're not Belizean (3) You can't live on $200 usd a week.

Be prepared for alot of frustration and hassle,plus...spending alot of money.Immigration is not the friendliest group of people and unless you want to get deported you must have a work permit.You need to have money to make money.Its not what you know,its who you know.You will find that out real fast.Try International Services in Belize City

I have found immigrations to be no problem and nothing unfriendly.

You do need the work permit, this is correct but it can be much cheaper in general to start a simple business here than in the states. (as far as fees for permits and start up costs.) Again, depends on what you are doing so that is why I say Can Be.

Sorry,but it is very obvious,you have been very misinformed or have been talking with the wrong sources.Its the taxes,duties etc...Its not what or why what you say can be.Your not the decision maker-and you are wrong

Wow glass, sounds like you have had some problems. Would you care to share some?