Constitution of Belize

The Constitution of Belize was signed in September 1981 and took effect the same month, coinciding with Belize's independence from the United Kingdom on 21 September 1981. Comprising a preamble, 13 parts and four schedules, it covers fundamental rights, citizenship, the Governor-General, the executive and legislative branches, the judiciary, the public service and finance, and its preamble commits the state to democratic governance through universal adult suffrage, social justice, and protection of individual liberties including life, education, health and property. It has been amended since 1981, notably in 2010, when appeals to the Privy Council were replaced with the Caribbean Court of Justice, and in 2011, which added provisions for government control over public utilities.