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Village By Laws Approved by GOB
September 26th, 2009 – Belmopan, Belize
On September 25th & 26th in Belmopan, the National Association of Village Councils (NAVCO) held its 9th Annual General Meeting (AGM) at their head quarters. Attending were all chairpersons of the 193 villages in Belize, Council members, various Government of Belize (GOB) Ministers, Belize Governor General, and members of the diplomatic core. In this AGM Minister Hon. Gabriel Martinez, responsible for Local Government and Labor, announced that the Stann Creek District was ranked number one of six in the country for implementation of it new accounting system, and for being the most aggressive of the District Association of Village Councils (DAVCO). It was also announced that the village of Placencia will be among the first receiving its by-laws, presently being drawn up by the Legislative Drafter, to be passed into law.
Also passed was the National Policy for all 193 villages in Belize. GOB, NAVCO, the Mayors Association, and the Alcaldaes Association have worked over the last two years constructing this policy. Approval by Cabinet of the National Policy will directly benefit the villages by setting precise boundary lines. As well, Water Board members (4 of the 7 appointed) and all of members of the lots committee will now be selected by Village Councils, currently the responsibilities of the Area Rep. The passing of the by-laws allow Village Councils to seek additional sources of revenue for the village, such as collection of trade license fees, vendors’ fees, permit application fees, and fines. It will also give the village council authority to uphold and enforce all laws of the village within its boundary lines.
For further information contact Office Administrator, Placencia Village Council.
Brian Yearwood – Chairman
Harald Wallen - Vice-Chairperson
Karen Young - Treasurer
Lloydia Caballero - Secretary
Therese Sierra - Asst. Secretary
Barbara Andrews - Asst. Treasurer
Gilbert Garbutt - Councilor
Ms. Natalie Young - Office Administrator
