Presiding Officers

Overview of the Legislature

The Legislature of Belize is bi-cameral. It comprises of two Houses:
the Senate (Upper House) and the House of Representatives (Lower House).

Selection of Officers

House of Representatives

Presiding Officer

The Speaker

Deputy Officer

The Deputy Speaker

When Elected

At the first meeting after a general election,
before any other business

Who can be Elected?

A Member of the House (who is not a Minister) OR
a person who is not a Member of either House

Age Requirement

Must be above the age of thirty (30)

The Deputy

Elected from among the elected Members who are not Ministers

The Senate

Presiding Officer

The President

Deputy Officer

The Vice-President

When Elected

At the first meeting after the Senate is appointed

Who can be Elected?

A person who is not a Member of either House

Age Requirement

Above the age of twenty-four (24)

The Deputy

Elected from among the appointed Senators

Duties During a Sitting

The Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President of the Senate are the Presiding Officers of the National Assembly. During a Sitting, the Presiding Officers ensure that the rights and privileges of Members/Senator are protected and also that the people’s business is conducted without intimidation and interference.

Order and Decorum

They ensure that there is order and decorum during a Sitting. For example, when a Member/Senator raises a point of order, the Presiding Officers are responsible to rule and make the final decision as to whether the point of order is in accordance with the Standing Orders, and the decision is not open to challenge during that Sitting. The Presiding Officers must ensure that rulings reflect fairness, impartiality and consistency.

Standard Procedures at a Sitting

Other duties of the Presiding Officers at a Sitting include the following:

  • Prayers and Announcements

  • Ordering documents

    that come from Ministries and Statutory Bodies that are required to be presented to the National Assembly to lie on the Table

  • Putting questions

    on Motions and Bills

  • Announcing the result

    of every vote taken

  • Acknowledging Members/Senators

    who wish to speak on any Bill or Motion

Authority & Discretion

The Presiding Officers have the authority to call emergency and special Sittings when both Houses are on recess. Overall the Presiding Officers have the power to regulate the conduct of business in all matters not provided in the Standing Orders of each House, and the decision in all cases for which these Standing Orders do not provide shall be on the discretion of the Presiding Officers and is not open to challenge. They are also responsible for the management and general administration of the chamber during a Sitting.

Administrative and Diplomatic Roles

The Presiding Officers have administrative roles beyond the chamber:

  • National Assembly Staff Committee

    The Speaker of the House of Representatives is the Chairperson of the National Assembly Staff Committee, and in the Speaker's absence the Deputy Speaker acts as Chairperson. Established under section 3 of the National Assembly Staff Act (Cap. 14), the Committee is responsible for the terms and conditions of service of the staff of the National Assembly.

  • Chief Diplomats

    The Presiding Officers are the chief diplomats for their respective chamber.

  • Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA)

    They are the Joint Presidents of Belize Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Branch. They meet and host parliamentary delegations that visit Belize occasionally.

Other Parliamentary Networks

ParlAmericas

Brings together the national legislatures of the Americas and the Caribbean to strengthen democratic governance and parliamentary cooperation, with particular focus on open parliament, gender equality, climate change, sustainability and regional dialogue. Belize’s House of Representatives and Senate are formally listed among its member legislatures.  Visit ParlAmericas

(Forum of Presiding Officers of Legislative Powers of Central America, the Caribbean Basin and Mexico) – Promotes cooperation and dialogue among member parliaments, encouraging legislative coordination, regional integration and the development of common approaches to social, economic and political challenges affecting the region. Visit FOPREL

The global organisation of national parliaments, fostering parliamentary diplomacy, dialogue and cooperation while supporting democracy, peace, human rights, gender equality, sustainable development and stronger representative institutions worldwide. Visit Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU)

A global, multi-party network of legislators that supports parliamentarians in advancing human rights, democracy, peace, the rule of law, gender equality, inclusion and sustainable development through coordinated legislative action and international cooperation.Visit Parliamentarians for Global Action (PGA) 

A regional, non-partisan network that works to increase women’s participation and leadership in political and public life through advocacy, mentorship, capacity-building, networking and support for women in decision-making roles. Visit CIWiL

Learn More

Learn about the National Assembly Staff Act and the committee that ensures the parliamentary service remains independent, professional, and fair.

Staff Committee