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Government
Belize is independent with a democratically
elected parliamentary government and is a British Commonwealth member.
Belize achieved full independence on
September 21, 1981. It is now a member of the commonwealth, the United Nations, the
Non-Aligned Movement, the Organization of American States and the newly-formed Association
of Caribbean States. Diplomatic relations have been establish with many countries. Belize
is also a member of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and related Institutions.
The Government of Belize is operated on the
principles of Parliamentary Democracy based on the Westminster System. The country is a
sovereign, democratic state.
A Prime Minister and Cabinet make up the
Executive Branch, while a 29 member elected House of Representatives and a nine member
appointed Senate form bicameral legislature.
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth
II is the constitutional Head of State. She is represented in Belize by a
Governor General, who must be a Belizean.
The Cabinet consists of a Prime Minister, other Minister and Ministers
of State who are appointed by the Governor General on the advice of the
Prime Minister, the person commanding the support of the majority party
in the House of Representatives.
Five Senators are appointed by the Governor-General on the advice of the
Prime Minister, two on the advice of the Leader of the Opposition, and
one on the advice of the Belize Advisory Council.
The Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President of the
Senate are elected either from among their members (providing they are
not ministers) or from among persons who are not members of either body.
There are six administrative districts: Belize, Cayo,
Corozal,
Orange
Walk, Stann Creek, and Toledo. With the exception of the capital of the
Belize District, each is administered by a locally elected Town Board of
seven members. The island resort of San Pedro,
Ambergris Caye, was
granted township in 1984.
Belize City is administered by a eleven seat elected City Council. Local
government in villages is carried out with the help of a village
council.
* Source:
Permanent Mission of Belize to the OAS.
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March 18, 2008 |
