Understanding The Framework: A Guide To Navigating Belize's Legal And Business Landscape

Belize's government is based on the British parliamentary system, with a constitution that provides for a bicameral National Assembly composed of an elected House of Representatives and an appointed Senate. The legal system is modelled on English common law, with a Supreme Court and Court of Appeal that are independent of the national government. Belize's financial services sector is also well-regulated, with the country gaining a reputation as an economically and politically stable investment destination. The country's military, the Belize Defence Force, is responsible for protecting its sovereignty and falls under the Ministry of National Defence and Border Security.

The Belize Defence Force (BDF)

The history of the Belize military dates back to 1817, when the Prince Regent Royal Honduras Militia, a volunteer organisation, was founded. Since then, the military force has had ten different names, including the Belize Volunteer Force, the British Honduras Volunteers, and the British Honduras Home Guard. The BDF was founded in its current form in 1978 following the disbanding of the Belize Volunteer Guard and the Police Special Force the previous year.

The BDF consists of a Service/Support Battalion, two Regular Battalions, and one Volunteer Battalion. The First Infantry Battalion was established in 1993, as a direct result of the British Government's decision to withdraw British Forces from Belize and hand over the country's defence to Belizeans. The battalion has participated in extensive military exercises in Belize and has also been involved in United Nations Peace Operations in Haiti. The Second Infantry Battalion, a combination of male and female soldiers, was formed in 1994.

The Belize Defence Force Air Wing, formed in 1983, is the aviation branch of the BDF. It is based at the Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport in Ladyville and is responsible for reconnaissance, search and rescue, aerial resupply, and troop transport. The Air Wing also assists the police in drug interdiction and anti-smuggling operations and can be called upon by the Maritime Wing.

The Financial Services Commission (FSC)

The FSC's responsibility under the FSC Act is to promote, protect, and enhance Belize as an international financial services centre. It also regulates the provision of international financial services, particularly those services provided by entities licensed or registered under the Financial Services Commission Act, 2023, and the Securities Industry Act, 2021 (SIA).

The Commission is committed to modernizing the existing legislative framework and developing new and emerging financial services to compete globally. It has taken steps to safeguard Belize's jurisdiction from reputational damage and has worked to address harmful tax practices. Belize has gained a reputation as an economically sound and politically stable country ideal for investment.

The scope of the Financial Services was broadened in 2007 to include the services it continues to offer today. The erosion of secrecy and anonymity laws through best practices and recommendations adopted by international standard-setters has been a significant milestone for the financial services sector. Belize has transformed the automatic exchange of financial information based on a global Common Reporting Standard and cross-border agreements to combat tax evasion and fraud.

The Commission is a member of the National Anti-Money Laundering Committee and works with fellow national regulators and industry supervisors to ensure the safety and security of the jurisdiction's economy. It also oversees and manages the proper administration of the Securities Industry in Belize, regulating the registration and conduct of firms and individuals doing business in this industry.

In addition, the FSC regulates the following businesses and persons operating in and from Belize:

• Fiduciary services: trust companies, trust services providers, and corporate service providers/company managers
• Investment funds and fund administrators
• Securities investment businesses, including broker-dealers, market-makers, securities arrangers, securities advisors, and securities managers
• Persons serving as directors, officers, and managers of licensed entities
• Auditors of regulated entities

The National Science and Technology Policy Framework

The framework seeks to serve multiple functions in government policymaking. Minister of Education, Culture, Science, and Technology Francis Fonseca explained that the framework will help tie science and economic development together.

Fonseca also stated that the Ministry of Science and Technology is new and that a lot of planning is required. He has tasked Dr. Louis Zabaneh with leading a team to develop a clear plan and strategy for science and technology moving forward. An advisory council has been set up to help guide this process.

The Belize Constitution Act

The Belize Constitution outlines the nation's commitment to democratic principles, human rights, and social justice. It establishes a bicameral National Assembly, with an elected House of Representatives and an appointed Senate. The Constitution also outlines the roles of the Governor-General, Prime Minister, and other key figures in the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of the Belizean government.

The Constitution guarantees fundamental rights and freedoms for all Belizeans, including protection from inhumane treatment, slavery, and forced labour. It ensures freedom of movement, conscience, expression, assembly, and association. The Constitution also provides for an independent judiciary, with a Supreme Court and Court of Appeal.

The Belize Constitution has been amended several times since its ratification, including changes to citizenship requirements and the establishment of the Caribbean Court of Justice as the highest court of appeals.

The Belize Government

The Belize Defence Force (BDF) is the country's military and is responsible for protecting Belize's sovereignty. The BDF falls under the Ministry of National Defence and Border Security. In 2012, the Belizean government spent around $17 million on the military, which constituted 1.08% of the country's GDP.

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