By: Omar Silva, NP Staff Writer

Belize City: Wednesday, 10 May 2023

Belize may soon become a republic, as the government recently established a constitutional commission to consider the reformation of the Belize Constitution. The commission, consisting of twenty-three representatives, will look at the possibility of Belize transitioning from a monarchy to a republic.

However, there are still a number of factors that need to be considered before such a transition can take place. For example, it is important to determine the type of republic that would be best suited for Belize and its political and cultural context. This could include a presidential or parliamentary system, among others.

Another key consideration is the role of the monarchy in the new republic. Will they be completely removed from the constitution, or will they still have a symbolic role? The separation of powers between the executive, legislative, and judicial branches is also a crucial aspect that would need to be established in the new republic.

Furthermore, the new constitution would need to ensure the protection of individual rights and freedoms, such as freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and equality before the law. Consultation and participation of the public would also be essential in the drafting of the new constitution.

It is important to note that transparency and public participation are essential components of any successful constitutional reform process. The Peoples' Constitutional Commission would play a key role in consulting with the public and developing recommendations for the new constitution that takes into account the unique context and needs of Belize.

The commission has been working on capacity building and engaging with different stakeholders to raise awareness about the process and its implications. They have also been working on a plan to divide the country into four zones and have teams cover schools, tertiary level institutions, and outreach to villages to gather feedback and ideas from the public.

While the process for revising the constitution is complex and involves many different stakeholders, it is crucial that the public is kept informed and engaged throughout the process. Providing clear information about the options being considered and the potential implications of different decisions, as well as providing opportunities for feedback and input from the public, is crucial for the success of this transition.