This review of the fiscal system of Belize was conducted between May and August 2002
through the sponsorship of the Inter-American Development Bank and the request of
Government of Belize. The emphasis of the study is on the revenue system in terms of its
design, administration and its effectiveness in revenue mobilization.
Belize is facing a critical public sector deficit situation, but its revenue system, although
somewhat unconventional, is performing remarkably well. With its revenue collections
amounting to over 22 percent of GDP, it is one of the most effective revenue systems in
Central America and the Caribbean. The urgent need in Belize is for prudence in public
sector expenditure decision making.