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If you run or actively participate in a non-profit organization then you may want to keep a close eye on the government’s recently tabled Non-Profit Organization Bill 2023. The Belize Network of N.G.O.’s has signaled several concerns with the proposed legislation and has gone ahead to bring those concerns to the Prime Minister via a letter. The Non-Profit Organization Bill 2023 was introduced to the House of Representatives on Friday last week and according to B.N.N., they only became aware of it after the sitting, when Janelle Chanona, the Senator for N.G.O.’s, received an invitation to attend a committee meeting for today, where the bill would be considered. The letter says “ we take the position that the introduction of a Non-Profit Organization Bill, 2023, without any presentation or consultation whatsoever with Non-Governmental Organizations, as well as those entities who would be included in the definition of Non-Profit Organizations is contrary to good governance”. The committee meeting scheduled for today was held and information to News Five is that a decision was taken not to repeal the existing N.G.O. ACT as was initially indicated. Instead, the N.P.O. Act will be introduced as a new and separate legislation. So, how will this new legislation affect non-profit organizations across Belize as it seeks combat terrorism financing and money laundering? Today, we caught up with Henry Charles Usher, the Minister of Public Service, at an even in Belize City where he was asked to comment on situation.
