Y

es, it’s official! The text you received from 150 about the PCC and the Belize Constitution is 100% legitimate! If you haven’t already taken part in the survey, NOW is your chance to make your voice heard.

The PCC is diligently reviewing the Belize Constitution, and we want YOU to be a part of this crucial process. Your opinions matter in shaping the future of our nation.

Participating is easy and anonymous. Just click on the link below to join the conversation:  http://pcc.sib.org.bz  

Let’s come together as proud Belizeans and ensure our Constitution reflects the values and aspirations of our people. 

#BelizeConstitution #YourVoiceMatters #ShapeOurFuture #RightYourFuture #WriteYourFuture 

A Huge Thank You to All who Joined us for the “Know Yuh Rights” Discussion! 

The launch of the PCC’s Public Outreach and the guide to the Belize Constitution is a momentous occasion, and the cooperation of the public is paramount. Your active participation and support is crucial in ensuring the success and legitimacy of the constitutional process. By engaging with the public, seeking your input, and fostering a sense of ownership, we can forge a constitution that truly reflects the values and aspirations of the Belizean people. Together, we can build a stronger and more inclusive nation.

On April 25 and 26, members of the People’s Constitution Commission (PCC) participated in an orientation workshop at the Best Western Belize Biltmore Plaza Hotel in Belize City. The main objective of the workshop was to orient members of the PCC with the knowledge and conceptual frameworks, and provide access to additional resources on constitution-making and constitutional design necessary for the commission to be able to: (a) engage constructively on the substantive issues of constitutional review in Belize in order to conduct useful deliberations and reach a consensus on constitutional reforms, and (b) engage with and educate the Belizean public so that they are able to meaningfully contribute to the constitutional reform process.

Local presenters/experts and international constitutional experts presented to and engaged with commissioners on various topics affecting their respective sectors and Belizeans in general. The first day of the workshop was divided into four sessions: Constitution & Democracy, Government, Good Governance and Accountability and Human Rights. Professor Cynthia Barrow-Giles distinguished senior fellow and professor of Constitutional Governance and Politics at the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus, presented on constitutions as legal, political, and social covenants, the relationship between constitutions and
democracy, and recent developments in constitutional thought and practice. Attorney Dickie Bradley and Dr. Elliot Bulmer, international constitutional experts, presented on topics such as the Belize Constitution and Systems of Government (parliamentary vs republic, and separation of powers). Attorney Darrel Bradley, Mr. Ray Davis, and Mr. Sumit Bisarya, constitutional expert, presented on Good Governance and the Public Service, Gaps in the Belize Constitution, and How a Constitution promotes Good Governance and Accountability. Justice Lisa Shoman and Jason Gluck, the constitutional expert, focused on topics such as the Human Rights Provisions in the Belize Constitution and Gaps: “Is there a need for more “inalienable” political, economic and
environmental rights?”

Day two of the workshop focused on the Judiciary, the National Assembly and Senate Reform, and Challenges and Lessons on Constitutional Reform Processes in the Caribbean. Judge Antoinette Moore, presented on Ensuring Judicial Neutrality and Independence, and the Senior Courts Act. Hon. Carolyn Trench-Sandiford, President of the Senate, presented on Structures/Functions and Standing Orders, Independence and Structure of Parliamentary Committees and Roles, and the Composition of the Senate. The workshop culminated with Professor Cynthia Barrow-Giles presenting an examination of constitutional reform processes around the Caribbean as well as challenges that have arisen and lessons that have been learned. The commissioners are now well-oriented on Belize’s Constitution and its gaps and can better lead discussions with the Belizean public on the constitutional reform process.

Representatives of the People’s Constitution Commission (PCC) visited the faculties of Corozal Junior College and the Corozal Community College on June 14th. The visit was focused on sharing information on the launch of the Constitution Reform Public Education & Consultation and served as an opportunity to invite these educators to join in facilitating the campaign to the students, parents, and community members of Corozal Town and surrounding communities/villages of the district.  The PCC team was well-received, and the visit generated excitement and positivity around this historic endeavor among the educators of these both institutions. The team is looking forward to engaging with the other educational institutions in the Corozal District. The team included Anthony Chanona, PCC Chairman; Ruth Shoman and Perlita Aldana, PCC commissioners, who will be leading the campaign in the north; Cesar Ross, Head of the PCC Secretariat; and Clara Chi, Legal/Research Assistant.

For more information, contact:
Carla Bradley
Communications Officer
People’s Constitution Commission
carla.bradley@mps.gov.bz
Tel: 614-7471