Belize
Country in Central America, bounded N by Mexico, W and S by Guatemala,
and E by the Caribbean Sea.
Government
The 1981 constitution provides for a parliamentary government on the
British model, with a prime minister and cabinet drawn from the legislature
and accountable to it. The national assembly consists of a senate and
a house of representatives. The senate has eight members appointed by
the governor general for a five- year term, five on the advice of the
prime minister, two on the advice of the leader of the opposition, and
one after wider consultations. The house of representatives has 28 members
elected by universal suffrage. The governor general appoints both the
prime minister and the leader of the opposition.
History
Once part of the Maya civilization, and colonized in the 17th century,
British Honduras (as it was called until 1973) became a recognized British
colony 1862. A 1954 constitution provided for internal self- government,
with the UK responsible for defence, external affairs, and internal
security. The first general election under the the new constitution,
and all subsequent elections until 1984, were won by the People's United
Party (PUP), led by George Price. Full internal self-government was
achieved 1964, and Price became prime minister. The capital was moved
1970 from Belize city to the new town of Belmopan. British troops were
sent 1975 to defend the long-disputed frontier with Guatemala. Negotiations
begun 1977 were inconclusive.
The United Nations called in 1980 for full independence for Belize.
A constitutional conference broke up 1981 over Guatemala's demand for
territory rather than just access to the Caribbean. Full independence
was achieved 1981 with George Price as the first prime minister. The
UK agreed to protect the frontier and to assist in the training of Belizean
forces. The PUP's uninterrupted 30- year rule ended 1984 when the United
Democratic Party (UDP) leader, Manuel Esquivel, became prime minister.
The UK reaffirmed its undertaking to protect Belize's disputed frontier.
Still led by George Price, the PUP unexpectedly won the 1989 general
election by a margin of 15 to 13 seats.
Diplomatic relations were re- established with Guatemala Sept 1991
after the latter announced its recognition of Belize's independence.
However, the British government's decision to relinquish its responsibility
for the country's external defence from 1994 was treated with some unease.
The 1993 general election was won by the UDP and Esquivel returned as
prime minister. He promptly suspended legislation that had resolved
the border dispute under the previous administration, arguing for the
need for a national referendum on the issue.
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Extensive use of photographs make you feel like
you're already on the island! Incredible selection of links to
Belize information
