Belize has entered a decisive stage in its constitutional reform process as the government initiates formal review procedures for the comprehensive final report compiled by the People’s Constitution Commission (PCC). The document, containing 167 distinct recommendations for modernizing the nation’s supreme legal framework, represents the culmination of a 30-month collaborative effort involving 46 commissioners representing 23 diverse organizations.
Although the report has not yet been officially delivered to Prime Minister John Briceño, preliminary discussions are already advancing. Dr. Louis Zabaneh, Minister of Constitution and Religious Affairs, recently convened with former PCC leadership, including ex-Chair Anthony Chanona, to receive detailed briefings on the commission’s methodology and findings. This orientation session aimed to equip the ministerial team with essential background knowledge as they prepare to navigate the complex recommendations.
The extensive consultation process faced significant challenges regarding inclusivity and transparency concerns raised by certain former members. Despite these internal debates and occasional heated discussions, the commission maintained remarkable cohesion throughout its operational period. Former Chair Chanona emphasized the body’s resilience, noting that while dissenting opinions were properly recorded and presented to leadership, the commission never fractured organizationally.
Looking forward, stakeholders advocate for making the complete report publicly accessible following established legislative protocols. There are growing calls for subsequent nationwide consultations to ensure citizen engagement throughout the implementation phase. This transparent approach would allow Belizeans to provide input on proposed constitutional amendments before potential parliamentary consideration.