The Mace of the National Assembly

History and Origin

The Mace of the National Assembly of Belize is made out of mahogany, which flourished for many years at the grounds of the Government House in Belize City and was blown down in the hurricane of 1931.

  • Manufacture Date: June 1951
  • Presentation: It was presented to the Legislative Council on 18 January 1952 by Sir Ronald Garvey (Governor of British Honduras 1949-1952).

Craftsmanship and Design

On the Head of the Mace are carved the arms of the Colony and the three principal events of its history:

  • The First Settlement (1638)
  • The Battle of St. George’s Caye (1798)
  • The formation of the Crown Colony (1871)

On the shaft are the names of the six districts: Corozal, Orange Walk, Belize, Cayo, Stann Creek, and Toledo.

  • The Craftsmen:
  • R. N. Downes: Superintendent
  • L. R. Perera: Carver
  • G. P. Gough: Turner

Protocol and Usage

The Mace is carried by the Macebearer who precedes the Speaker for the opening and adjournment of each Sitting of the House of Representatives.

  • During Session: The Mace is placed on a rack on the Clerk’s Table with its head pointing towards the Government side (seated to the right-hand of the Speaker’s Chair).

  • During Committee/Suspension: During a Committee of the Whole House or during a suspension the Mace is placedon a rack which is below the Clerk’s Table and it is placed on top of the Cleark’s Table when the meeting resumes and the Speaker is present in the Chamber.

Symbolism and Legal Authority

Standing Order 6 (2) of the House of Representatives states that the Mace shall be present at all Sittings. The House of Representatives cannot sit without the Mace because it is the symbol of the dignity and authority of the Speaker.