Belize’s Path to Republic Discussed with UK MP Rutley

Among several issues discussed at the airport with MP Rutley, was the possibility of Belize becoming a republic.  It is a discussion that has begun, and the Prime Minister John Briceno has noted as being, ‘quite likely’.  With a constitutional commission now activated, the subject is one that has been handed to them to discuss and explore.  The question, however, is to what degree would that shift change the relations with the UK.  Rutley weighed in on the subject.

David Rutley, UK Minister – Americas and the Caribbean: “This is a matter for Belizeans as an independent country to make the decision. You’ve got a consultation on the future of the constitution. That’s an important debate and we look forward to seeing the outcome of that but that’s a decision for the people of Belize. Whatever the outcome of those consultations, we wish you every success in determining how best to move that forward. We’ll continue to have a very strong relationship whatever the outcome for all the reasons we’ve talked about before. This is a very long and enduring relationship and whatever happens we’ll continue to be strong partners and we’ll continue to be part of the Commonwealth. So I think there’s a positive way forward, whatever the outcome of your own internal conversations.”