History of the Legislature

1765 – 1840

The Early Settlement and Burnaby’s Code

After the British settled British Honduras, they governed themselves under a system of public meetings where decisions were made. In 1765, Admiral Burnaby codified the settlement’s regulations known as the Burnaby’s Code. This consisted of articles and regulations aimed at preventing the theft of servants or property; it also established systems for collecting taxes, settling disputes, and determining punishment (usually fines). These regulations continued in force until 1840, when an Executive Council was created.

1853 – 1871

From Public Meetings to Legislative Assembly

In 1853, the Public Meeting System was renounced because the settlers were in favour of a Legislative Assembly. In 1854, the Legislative Assembly was officially formed, presided over by a British Superintendent.

  • Membership

    Members were nominated and required to have at least £400 sterling worth of property.

  • Authority

    The Superintendent had the right to dissolve the Assembly at any time, originate legislation, and give or withhold consent to Bills.

  • Crown Colony Status

    Belize became a Crown Colony in 1871, and a nominated Legislative Council replaced the Legislative Assembly.

1935 – 1954

Reintroduction and Universal Adult Suffrage

In 1935, the Legislative Assembly was reintroduced and presided over by a Speaker, though members were still nominated. A major shift occurred on 25 March 1954, when the British Honduras Constitution Ordinance came into effect.

  • New Membership

    Consisted of a Speaker, three ex officio Members (Colonial Secretary, Attorney General, and Financial Secretary), three nominated Members (British subjects appointed by the Governor), and nine elected Members.

  • Right to Vote

    1954 marked the achievement of Universal Adult Suffrage, allowing adults aged 21 to vote regardless of property ownership.

1950 – 1954

Emergence of Political Parties and First General Election

Belize’s political parties emerged in the early 1950s, including the People’s United Party (PUP) in 1950 and the National Party (NP) in 1952.

On 30 April 1954, Belize held its first general election. The PUP was successful, and the first elected members included:

  • Mr. George C. Price
  • Mr. Phillip S. W. Goldson
  • Mr. Herman Jex
  • Mr. Jose Leon Chang
  • Mr. Leigh I. A. Richardson
  • Mr. Enrique De Paz
  • Mr. Nathaniel Cacho
  • Mr. George Flowers
  • Mr. Charles Westby

The first session was held on 18 June 1954 in Belize City. The term of office was initially three years, later extended to three years and six months in 1962.

1955 – 1963

Internal Self-Government and the Bi-cameral System

Evolution toward independence continued through two major systems:

  1. Quasi-ministerial System (1955): George Price became Associate Member for Natural Resources.
  2. Ministerial System (1961): Mr. George C. Price became the First Minister.

In 1963, British Honduras gained full internal self-government. A new Constitution (effective 31 December 1963) renamed the Legislative Assembly to the National Assembly. It became a bi-cameral legislature comprising:

  • House of Representatives: Presided over by a Speaker.
  • Senate: Presided over by a President, consisting of eight appointed members (five on advice of the Premier, two on advice of the Opposition, and one by the Governor).
1970 – 1978

Transition to Belmopan and the Name "Belize"

On 9 October 1970, the National Assembly was inaugurated in the new capital, Belmopan, with a Joint Sitting. On 1 June 1973, the name of the colony officially changed from British Honduras to Belize. In 1978, an amendment introduced the identification card system and lowered the voting age from 21 to 18 years.

1981 – Present

Independence and Modern Expansion

In 1981, Belize gained independence from Great Britain. Under the new Constitution:

  • The Queen remained the titular Head of State, represented by a Governor-General.
  • The House of Representatives increased from 18 to 28 seats.
  • The term of office increased to five years.

Subsequent Legislative Growth

  • 1993: House seats increased to 29.
  • 2001: Senate membership increased from 8 to 12 Senators.
  • 2005: House seats increased to the current 31 elected Members.

Conclusion

As the tenth House of Representatives and the eleventh Senate since self-government, and marking the sixth change of Government since independence, Belize has come a long way. The Parliament of Belize is wholly charged with responsibilities to make laws for peace, order, and good governance as provided for in the Constitution.