By: Omar Silva

Belize City, Friday 17th March 2023

The Belize Network of N.G.O.’s (B.N.N.) has raised concerns regarding the proposed Non-Profit Organization Bill 2023, which was introduced to the House of Representatives on Friday last week. According to the B.N.N., they were not consulted before the bill was introduced, which they believe is contrary to good governance. In a letter addressed to the Prime Minister, the B.N.N. states that "we take the position that the introduction of a Non-Profit Organization Bill, 2023, without any presentation or consultation whatsoever with Non-Governmental Organizations, as well as those entities who would be included in the definition of Non-Profit Organizations is contrary to good governance.”

The bill seeks to combat terrorism financing and money laundering by non-profit organizations across Belize. However, the B.N.N. believes that the proposed legislation could have significant implications for non-profit organizations in the country. They have called for further consultation with NGOs and other entities included in the definition of non-profit organizations to address their concerns.

Despite the B.N.N.’s concerns, a decision has been made to introduce the N.P.O. Act as a new and separate legislation, rather than repealing the existing N.G.O. Act. The Minister of Public Service, Henry Charles Usher, has stated that the bill was prepared by the Attorney General’s Ministry and that NGOs and non-profit organizations will have an opportunity to make presentations and voice their concerns during the house committee meeting and in the Senate.

However, the B.N.N. is not convinced that their concerns have been adequately addressed. They fear that the proposed legislation could have a detrimental impact on the work of non-profit organizations across Belize. As such, they have called for further discussions to take place to ensure that the proposed legislation does not adversely affect their operations.

The Non-Profit Organization Bill 2023 is part of a package of legislation required for certification in December of this year. It remains to be seen whether the concerns of the B.N.N. will be taken into account before the bill is passed into law.