The most effective system mankind could have ever thought of was socialism, because by means of that system we can acquire equality. I assume that by now, in this 2021, all inhabitants of Belize that are in the age of understanding ought to know that in this country the monarchical system is practiced. I also want to believe that all Belizeans ought to know the history of their ancestors who were enslaved and the conditions in which they were brought here to this continent, plus the experiences of those who ended up on the British Settlement of the Bay of Honduras and were ruled by a monarchy. Thereafter, we go to the most heroic moment, which was the struggle to achieve self-government in 1964, and the historic moment of achieving independence from Great Britain in 1981 —all while, ironically, still under the same monarchy system. In my federal republican socialist mindset, there is no space for such nonsense. However, for the first time in my life I was going to experience how a Governor General was appointed.
The Constitution of Belize says the following in Chapter 5:
“36.- (1) The executive authority of Belize is vested in Her Majesty.
(2) Subject to the provisions of this Constitution, the executive authority of Belize may be exercised on behalf of Her Majesty by the Governor General either directly or through officers subordinate to him. “
Now let us go to Chapter 4:
“30.- There shall be a Governor General of Belize who shall be a citizen of Belize appointed by Her Majesty and shall hold office during Her Majesty’s pleasure and who shall be Her Majesty’s representative in Belize.”
I’m a little bit confused, our dear readers of this column, for the following reason: According to Caribbean News, on April 27, 2021, it says that:
“The Belize government has indicated that the country will have a new Governor-General and that it would move to amend the existing legislation that regulates the office of the Governor-General so as to ensure the office holder is adequately compensated. Prime Minister John Briceño said he has already asked the Foreign Minister to inform Buckingham Palace and Her Majesty the Queen of England of the nomination of Froyla Tzalam to be Belize’s next Governor-General replacing Sir Colville Young, who retires at the end of this month after nearly 28 years in office.”
May someone kindly explain to us, the “little people down there”, the difference between the words “nominate and appoint”? In advance, thank you. Oh! By the way, according to the Constitution of Belize in Chapter 4: 32, the following is written: “A person appointed to hold the office of Governor General shall, before entering upon the duties of that office, take and subscribe the oath of allegiance and office.” From which authority? The Prime Minister, the House of Representatives, the Cabinet, the National Assembly of Buckingham Palace? I humbly apologize for my ignorance.
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May 9, 2021
Finca Solana
Corozal Town