By Zoila Palma: Over the weekend, Belizeans stood in long lines across the western border into Melchor de Mencos, Guatemala, as families stocked up on back-to-school essentials including uniforms, undershirts, socks and other school supplies ahead of the new academic year.
Data obtained from the Ministry of Immigration shows that the Western Border recorded 4,903 passenger movements over August 15–16, 2026, an increase of 178 movements compared with the 4,725 recorded during the corresponding two-day period in 2025.
The increase represents approximately 3.8 percent growth in passenger movement at the border.
Of the 4,903 movements recorded this year, 3,143 were classified as non-excursion passengers, while 1,760 were excursion passengers.
On Saturday, August 15, the border recorded 1,644 passenger movements, including 1,497 non-excursion and 147 excursion passengers. On Sunday, the movement surged to 3,259, including 1,646 non-excursion and 1,613 excursion passengers.
The figures come as families across Belize prepare for the return to school, with many shoppers turning to Melchor for potentially lower-priced clothing and other back-to-school necessities.
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By Zoila Palma: Over the weekend, Belizeans stood in long lines across the western border into Melchor de Mencos, Guatemala, as families stocked up on back-to-school essentials including uniforms, undershirts, socks and other school supplies ahead of the new academic year. Data obtained from the Ministry of Immigration shows that the Western Border recorded 4,903
The post Nearly 5,000 Belizeans crossed into Melchor over weekend for back-to-school shopping appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
