The Senate

Composition of the Senate

The Senate consists of the President and thirteen (13) members appointed by the Governor-General. The thirteen appointments are made based on the following specific recommendations:

The Senate is currently comprised of thirteen (13) appointed Members, while the President of the Senate is either elected from among the appointed Members or from outside of the Senate. The thirteen Senators are appointed by the Governor General based on the following advice:

Prime Minister

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Leader of the Opposition

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Belize Chamber of Commerce and the Belize Business Bureau

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Belize Council of Churches and the Evangelical Association of Churches

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Belize National Trade Union Congress and the Civil Society Steering Committee

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Non-Governmental Organizations

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Functions of the Senate

Beyond discussing and debating Bills from the House of Representatives, the Senate holds specific constitutional functions. Key Responsibilities include:

  • Constitutional Changes

    Approving any Bill to alter any provision of Part II of the Belize Constitution.

  • Treaties

    Authorizing the ratification of any treaty (including adhesion or accession), specifically those regarding the territorial dispute with Guatemala.

  • Foreign Military

    Approving the establishment of foreign military bases in Belize.

  • Appointments

    Approving the appointment of the Contractor General, the Ombudsman, and members of the Elections and Boundaries and Integrity Commissions.

  • Inquiries

    Instituting investigations into matters of public interest, including mismanagement or corruption in central government.

  • Oversight

    Requiring the attendance of the Auditor General, Contractor General, Ombudsman, CEOs, or Ministers before the Senate or its Committees.

Duties of the President

The Rules of the Senate

Discover the protocols that guide Senate inquiries, treaty ratifications, and the legislative review process.

View Standing Orders (The Senate)

Members

The Senate of Belize

2025-2030

President

Hon. Carolyn Trench Sandiford

President of the Senate

View Past Presidents

Government Senators

Hon. Eamon Courtenay

Leader of Government Business
People's United Party

Hon. Linsford Castillo

Vice-President
People's United Party

Hon. Brittney Galvez

People's United Party

Hon. Christopher Coye

People's United Party

Hon. Rozel Arana

People's United Party

Hon. Hector Guerra

People's United Party

Opposition Senators

Hon. Patrick Faber

United Democratic Party

Hon. Sheena Pitts

United Democratic Party

Hon. Gabriel Zetina

United Democratic Party

Social Partners Senators

Hon. Kevin Herrera

Belize Chamber of Commerce & Industry and Belize Business Bureau

Hon. Glenfield Dennison

National Trade Union Congress & the Civil Society Steering Committee

Hon. Reverend Louis Wade Jr.

Belize Council of Churches and Evangelical Association of Churches

Hon. Janelle Chanona

Non-Governmental Organizations

Learn More

The Senate’s work continues beyond the main chamber. Dive into the Sessional Select Committees to see how Senators provide detailed oversight on regulations, the constitution, and gender equality.

Sessional Select Committees