Politics and Government

The Elections and Boundaries Department wishes to advise the general public that the Representation of the People Act clearly outlines the process and steps that are required to be taken prior to any individual becoming a registered elector. As such, the department operates strictly within the rule of law.

Permanent Under-Secretary of State (PUS) at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office Sir Simon McDonald will pay an official visit to Belize on 30 August.

The anticipated convention will take place at the Belize Civic Centre in Belize City, and the two candidates contending the leadership post are Honourable Patrick Faber and Honourable John Saldivar, two senior UDP ministers.

Amidst the controversy, Caye Caulker Village Chairperson-elect Seleny Villanueva-Pott thanks everyone who voted for her, and assures all island residents that she, along with her six councilors, will work hard to make Caye Caulker a better place.

After numerous reports of excessive and illegal fishing, approximately 38 Guatemalan fishermen will not have their license renewed to fish the southern waters of Belize, particularly around the Sarstoon River area.

Restaurateurs and the Public are asked to use, consume and dispose of all Queen Conch meat in their possession on or before April 30th, 2019 as the season will close on that date due to the realization of the Queen Conch quota.

The national referendum scheduled for April 10, 2019, on whether to settle the Guatemalan claim to Belize at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) has been postponed after Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin granted an interim injunction sought by the People’s United Party (PUP). The decision was handed over on Wednesday, April 3rd at the Supreme Court in Belize City. A new referendum date will not be announced until a claim on the writ of the referendum is heard in its first session scheduled for Monday, April 8th. Chief Justice Benjamin noted that there is an arguable case and that Prime Minister Right Honorable Dean Barrow did not properly follow the law when he had the Governor General sign the writ to proceed with the referendum.

This legal move is spearheaded by the Opposition, the People’s United Party, who hope to stop/delay the referendum via an interim injunction. The Supreme Court will deliver a verdict in the first week of April on whether the referendum is held or postponed to a later date.