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

Primary 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 Role

Elected from among the elected Members who are not Ministers.

The Senate

Primary Officer

The President

Deputy Officer

The Vice-President

When Elected

At the first meeting after the Senate is appointed.

Who can be Elected?

A Senator OR a person who is not a Member of either House.

Age Requirement

(As provided in Standing Orders)

The Deputy Role

Elected from among the appointed Senators.

Duties During a Sitting

The Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President of the Senate are referred to as Presiding Officers of the National Assembly. During a Sitting, the Presiding Officers ensure that the rights and privileges of Members 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 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 of each House, and the decision is not open to challenge during that Sitting. The Presiding Officers must ensure that evenhandedness is guaranteed in making rulings.

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 required to be presented to the National Assembly to lie on the Table.

  • Putting to the House questions

    on Motions and Bills.

  • Announcing the result

    of every vote taken.

  • Acknowledging Members

    of both Houses 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 Chairman of the Committee while the President of the Senate becomes the Vice Chairman. The said 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.

Learn More

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

Staff Committee