Mai Addresses Livestock Producers AGM

Minister

FB Page: It was an honor to be able to address the livestock producers yesterday, Sunday 25 February 2023 on their 44th Annual General Meeting. The livestock industry is now a main contributor to Belize’s GDP. Over the last two years, cattle exports alone have contributed to more than $60M in foreign exchange earnings and the industry is growing rapidly.

There are similar numbers of cattle farmers as sugar cane farmers. The 5200 cattle farmers and their hard work contributed to the major growth in agriculture over the past two years.

Important to note is that when compared to other agro industries, the great majority of foreign exchange earned by cattle exports remains in the country due to limited dependence on foreign imported inputs, fuel being one of them.

This leads to the cattle industry having far- reaching social and economic impact in the country, hence the economic contribution is clearly evident in rural communities and in the economy.

What is noteworthy to announce is that BLPA is now the beneficiary of GEF funding. The policy is to promote smart agriculture, environmentally friendly and sustainable agriculture practices. Through GEF funding, BLPA was able to purchase 4 Brangus Bulls for rental to farmers.

This will lead to increase efficiency by improving genetics while taking into consideration the protection and conservation of our Natural Resources!!

On behalf of the Prime Minister, Hon John Briceño and the government of Belize we extend Congratulations to all livestock farmers and may God protect and bless you and your families!!

6. Qualification requirements include (a) The bidder shall furnish unaudited or audited financial statements (balance sheets with corresponding notes, income statement, and statements of cash flow) of the firm for years 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022 to demonstrate the current soundness of the bidder’s financial position (b) Bidders should have general experience under contracts in the role of contractor, JV member, subcontractor, or management contractor for the years 2019, 2021 and 2022 with activity of at least five (5) months in each year starting 1st January, 2019 (c) Bidders should have specific experience as a prime contractor, joint venture member, management contractor, or subcontractor, between 1st January 2011 and the bid submission deadline and should have less than or equal to three (3) contracts, each of a minimum value of BZ$11,955.00, but with a total value of all contracts equal or more than BZ$35,865.00 (d) demonstrate cash flow requirement: capacity to have a cash flow amount of BZ$9,000.00 of which not more than BZ$4,500.00 can be credit for materials (e) an average annual turnover of BZ$215,190.00 which shall be calculated as total certified payments received for contracts completed within the best two (2) years of the years 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022 (e) other provided in the respective Bid Documents.

7. A secured “sample” electronic Bid document can be shared with interested Bidders at the address below, starting January 30th, 2022, on weekdays between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. for viewing purpose only (has a time restriction for viewing). A complete set of Bidding documents (hard-copy or electronic version) can be purchased by interested bidder upon payment of a non-refundable fee of BZ$150.00. Requests may be made by personal application or in writing to the address below. Written applications must be clearly marked: “Installation of a Chlorinator and the Upgrading of the System’s Electrical Components for the Mahogany Heights Water Supply System, Mahogany Heights Village, Belize District, Belize”. The method of payment will be by cash deposited to, or Bank transfer to BSIF’s Bank Account only. Banking details can be requested at the address below. Cash payment will not be accepted at the BSIF Office.

8. Deadline for bids is at or before 10:00 a.m., March 17th 2023 at the address below. Bids will be opened at 10:15 a.m., March 17th 2023 at the Social Investment Fund, 3rd Floor, #1902 Constitution Drive, Belmopan, Cayo District in the presence of the bidders’ representatives who choose to participate. Electronic bidding will not be permitted. Late bids will be rejected. All bids must be accompanied by a “Bid Security” of BZ$ 360.00 or an equivalent amount in a freely convertible currency or Bank Guarantee. The bid validity period is 90 days.

9. A Virtual Pre-bid meeting with interested eligible bidders will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, February 13th, 2023. The link is https://bit.ly/31ACuQU Bidders can participate in the meeting to address any queries about the bidding document or the scope of works. Persons who purchase packages are urged to attend.

10. The address referred to above is:

Contact: Ms. Angeles Itzab Senior Procurement Officer

Social Investment Fund

3rd Floor, #1902 Constitution Drive

Belmopan Cayo District

Tel: 822-0239/822-0508

E-mail: angeles.itzab@sifbelize.org cc: carlos.tun@sifbelize.org kyla.cho@sifbelize.org