National Assembly Reopens After $5.8 Million Renovation

The National Assembly Building has officially reopened following 15 months of extensive renovations aimed at modernizing the decades-old structure. Originally inaugurated in the 1970s, the building had seen minimal upgrades to its form and function prior to this major refurbishment. The renovation was supported by a $1.5 million grant from the Republic of China (Taiwan). Following a structural walkthrough, however, the Government of Belize committed an additional $4.2 million to facilitate a comprehensive interior overhaul. According to Chief Engineer at the Ministry of Infrastructure Development and Housing, Evondale Moody, the project ultimately cost $5.8 million, an investment he described as money well spent.

Evondale Moody, Chief Engineer, MIDH:  “We basically got it out the entire structure’s interior and we started from the ground up. That included the installation of new plumbing structure for the entire building, the installation of new electrical features, the installation of an elevator now so that we could meet the Disability Act requirements and also the new building code that will become effective very soon. We had to ensure that the roof structure itself was rehabilitated because we had issues with the roof itself. In terms of the interior of the building, we did not have sufficient space based on how it was originally formulated. And so we had to go back to the drawing board on many occasions to ensure that everything that is required by the Senate and also by the House inclusive within the structure. We were able to reconstruct the entire chamber of the National Assembly. We had a number of member rooms and also committee rooms that were installed as well. The facility basically provides access to the public in terms of the galleries that were reconstructed. And we have also provided safe space and also bathrooms and other facilities for the public itself. So the transformation that we have done at the National Assembly, to my knowledge, is amazing with what we had before. And the 5.8 million that we have utilized for the construction of this building is really within the building costs presently in Belize. I think that would work out to maybe around $300 per square foot. But if you look at the features that has been included in the structure, I believe anyone would be amazed that we were able to accomplish this within $5.8 million.”

The upgraded facility now features enhanced security systems, improved technological readiness, modernized parliamentary chambers, expanded office and workspaces, improved public and visitor areas, and greater accessibility for persons with disabilities. Members of the media were given a firsthand look at the improvements during a tour of the building earlier today. The Speaker of the House and the President of the Senate both welcomed the upgrades, noting the improved functionality and working environment.

Valerie Woods, House Speaker: “We’re in 2026 and what we were working with, the Madam President, who can concur for the same with her experience in her chamber, was a lot of archaic equipment. Work flow was not optimal, space was not optimal. I used the restroom facilities as an example, not because I’m a woman but as just as a human being they simply were not optimal.”

Carolyn Trench Sandiford, Senate President: “One of the things that has not happened in Belize for decades have been an investment in our legislature. Sometimes we tend to forget that government is made up of three branches of government and everything starts with the legislature because that is where we make laws, the executive execute and the judiciary interpret. And we have seen significant investment in the executive branch of government in terms of infrastructure and so on. We have seen significant investment in the judiciary over the years but we have not seen that in the legislature. So I think it’s very important for us to appreciate that this really is a new era in terms of investing in an institution that really is the heart of our democracy.”

The first sitting of the House of Representatives in the newly renovated building is scheduled for Friday, February 6. Members of the public are invited to attend and experience the new features firsthand.