It took us almost a full 2 years to get it all finalized. And the costs have increased alot since we did it.

SIN is/was right. We were offered the purchase and declined. They aren't doing that anymore, well maybe they are but not as readily as before. That was supposidly gone from avilibility about 3-4 years ago. I am guessing on the actual time. BUT, it was done and maybe still is.
Grease......slippery and faster for sure..

QRP does allow you to reside in Belize and is a bit diferent from a normal Permit to Reside in Belize aka "residency". If you need to work or volunteer (regardless of the point of sale) in Belize you will need a Permit to Reside in Belize - telecomuters apply.

SIN

Permanent Residency has become faster and more efficient since Carmen Zetina took over as Director of Immigration.

He is very approachable and honest (ex-commissioner of Police. Mr Moreo, his deputy is also very approachable and honest. This business of greasing palms is now very much discouraged.

My documents took a matter of days and cost $1,000USD as per the government set costs.

Go to Belmopan and see one of them is my advice. Bribery is illegal and can get you arrested.

even to volunteer?!?!?! you need residency?!?!? really!?!?!?

Volunteer Work Permit Required not Residency. If legitimate, very quick and inexpensive, 72 hours max.

ok... that sounds more reasonable!!

You need a work permit prior to applying for normal residency papers. Once you get your residency - you don't need a work permit.

Bribery? That would never happen, not here! You must be thinking of every other gov't in the world.

SIN

okay so the first thing i need is a work permit right, then i can move on to residency, and then onto citizenship???

You will be required to actually live here while applying for residency (unless you are Chinese in which case you need not ever come to Belize)