BCCI Elects New Leadership at AGM

The Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry has marked another milestone, hosting its 106th Annual General Meeting and ushering in a new slate of leadership to guide the organization into its next chapter. The meeting, held on April 30 at the Fort George Hotel and Spa in Belize City, brought together members of the private sector who elected a new Board of Directors for the 2026 to 2028 term.  Leading the new executive is President Giacomo Sanchez, supported by Vice Presidents Noriko Gamero for Services, Jody Williams for Commerce, and William Usher for Industry. Marcello Blake will serve as Treasurer, Ashanti Martin as Secretary, while Marissa Longsworth assumes the role of Immediate Past President.  The Chamber also welcomed a mix of returning and new councilors, including William Arthur Neal, who topped the polls for a fourth term, alongside Luis Ugarte and newcomers Claudette El Ters, Bruno Kuppinger, and Norman Dueck.  Delivering the keynote address was U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Katharine Beamer, who highlighted opportunities to strengthen trade and investment ties between Belize and the United States. Her presentation underscored the importance of international partnerships and identifying new sectors for economic growth.  In his address, President Sanchez reflected on the Chamber’s advocacy over the past year, pointing to ongoing work in areas such as trade facilitation, taxation, and regulatory reform. He also reaffirmed the BCCI’s commitment to fostering a more competitive and inclusive business environment through its “Connect, Capacitate, Champion” approach.  Meanwhile, Treasurer Marcello Blake presented the Chamber’s 2025 financial statements, giving members an overview of its financial performance, while Crowe Belize LLP was appointed as auditors for the upcoming term.