A Bill to Repeal and Replace the Belize Constitution?

During the house meeting on Monday, there was a second reading of the People’s Constitution Commission Bill. The proposed legislation calls for such a commission to draft and guide the process of promoting a new constitution for Belize or amendments to the Belize Constitution. Education Minister, Francis Fonseca spoke about educating the people on what the constitution stands for and what options exist. He also spoke of putting in place an effective consultation process, including those in the far reaches of the country. Opposition Leader, Shyne Barrow said that while he supports the bill, he was cautiously optimistic in what it seeks to do.

Shyne Barrow

Shyne Barrow, Leader of the Opposition

“The goal is to protect rights and to expand rights, so that we don’t find ourselves in a position where rights are being taken away because we live in a democracy. We live in a nation of freedom, a nation where the rule of law trumps everything. So it really has to be that we are looking at how best we can protect the rights of all of our citizens – equal rights, all of their rights to end discrimination, to make access to justice as the Minister of Education mentioned earlier and I must say that in the House Committee meetings I raised issues with the committee and the Minister of Political Reform was there and I am satisfied, cautiously, that the committee will follow through in ensuring that there is as much inclusion as practical.”

Francis Fonseca

Francis Fonseca, Minister of Education

“This is a historic bill, a historic opportunity for us as a people.  I think it provides a unique opportunity for us, for all Belizeans to engage in this process, to have your voices heard. We say it a lot of times that we have people on social media who complain about different areas of governance and that’s been the case for years and years. Now we have an opportunity to engage in sharing your views on how you would like to see Belize better governed. All of us as citizens of this country should recognize this opportunity, embrace it, take full advantage of it. Let us not squander our opportunity to make meaningful change in the governance structures of our country.  We now have an opportunity to look at the Constitution and the structures that underpin that constitution and make fundamental change if that is what we desire to do.”