If you check your Belize Bank ATM on Tuesday morning at a minute after midnight - it's supposed to only charge you only 25 cents to make a withdrawal of your own money. That's the essence of Practice Directive Number 7 from the Central Bank of Belize - and, basically, it's an order from the regulator.
But, the Ashcroft Alliance has expressed its displeasure with "PD number 7" - and is actually trying to get a court hearing to stop it. But, the bank could not get one today - and the Central Bank has not withdrawn the order, so it goes into effect on Tuesday which is the first working day of the year.
But, we wouldn't bet on seeing a reduction on the Belize Bank ATM charges. From our long observation, the Ashcroft Alliance has a history of following orders only when it suits them, so we'll see if the ATM fees really go down.
If it does not, there are punitive actions the Central Bank can take against it.
