G.G. dissolves legislature, elections now official

Effective today, members of the House of Representatives and Senate no longer have a job, as proclamations signed by the Governor General, on the advice of the Prime Minister, dissolved the National Assembly and set Wednesday, March fifth 2003 as the date for the general elections. What this means is that all area representatives seeking re-election have lost their titles as “Honourables” and are now merely the divisional standard bearers for their respective parties. Until a new government is formed, the country is run by what is called a Cabinet government as the Prime Minister and his ministers retain their powers and portfolios. However, in accordance with a constitutional amendment passed in 2001, during this interim period no major political appointments can be made. Cabinet did meet in Belmopan this morning as part of its normal Tuesday routine and, according to a release issued this afternoon, reviewed the progress of government’s hurricane rehabilitation project and also approved a national integrated coastal zone management strategy for Belize. In addition, five full development concessions were granted along with duty free approvals for thirteen small businesses in the tourism, manufacturing and services sector.