Corruption undermines good government, and It seems this is Special Meeting syndrome is spreading.
The San Pedro Trade Licenses Clerk quickly, after he tells you it will take 3 months to get approved, offers to let you pay for a special meeting, The Liquor Board offers special meeting for any kind of problem you might have, Housing and Planning is very efficient, they don't even have to be in town for the special meeting, Traffic is supposed to meet monthly for permits but after three months if you haven't figured it out by yourself they will repeat the offer to get together especially for your permit.
This is way out of control, but who could really enforce something like this and prosecute this wrong doing. Most people in government see this as normal and you can even pay with a check and get a receipt. They are unafraid/unaware of possible prosecution. The worst I've heard of is the police, after you apply for a police record (necessary for the annual renewal of a tour guide lic.) the front desk officer wants $25. us to get it next week he calls it a special meeting fee and only accepts cash.
Mexico is suffering from how bad the murdida has become, Mexicans just accept it as a way of life. It equates to ineffective government and destroys the system over time like rot. I hear a lot of pride of not being like Mexico from Belizeans but this will quickly make Belize just as bad.