National Assembly of Belize to Meet on a Calendar from 2026
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Valerie Woods, has announced that from 2026, meetings of the House of Representatives and Senate will be held on a calendar. This change aims to improve work-life balance for members and allow for better planning of Committee meetings and the work of the Executive and Legislature.
Meeting Schedule
Following next Tuesday’s meeting of the Senate, the usual holiday recess will take place from December 17 to January 27. A joint sitting of the National Assembly is scheduled for January 30, which will mark the reopening of the National Assembly Building. The first regular meeting will be held on February 6, and subsequent meetings will take place every first Friday of the month. The Senate will typically meet the following week, pending recesses and public and bank holidays.
Benefits of the New Schedule
The new schedule is expected to bring several benefits, including improved work-life balance for members and more efficient planning of Committee meetings. The House typically takes three recesses throughout the year, at Easter, during July, August, and September, and before Christmas and New Year’s.
Recognition of 16 Days of Activism
The members of the Government are showing their support for the recent 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence by wearing orange attire. Minister of Human Development, Thea Garcia-Ramirez, stated that this is a unified response in support of survivors and a reminder of the "zero tolerance" approach to the issue.
Conclusion
The introduction of a calendar-based meeting schedule for the National Assembly of Belize is a positive step towards improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the legislative body. By providing a predictable and regular schedule, members can better plan their work and balance their responsibilities. This change is expected to have a positive impact on the overall functioning of the National Assembly and its ability to serve the people of Belize.
