The constitution and laws of Belize
MINISTERS OF GOVERNMENT
40. (1) There shall be, in addition to the office of Prime Minister,
such other offices of Minister of the Government as may be established by the
National Assembly or, subject to the provision of any law enacted by the
National Assembly, by the Governor-General, acting in accordance with the
advice of the Prime Minister.
(2) Appointment to the office of Minister shall be made by the
Governor-General, acting in accordance with the advice of the Prime Minister,
from among members of the House of Representatives and of the Senate:
Provided that person holding the office of Speaker of the House of
Representatives of President of the Senate may not be appointed to the office
of Minister.
(3) If occasion arises for making an appointment to the office of Minister
while the National Assembly is dissolved, then notwithstanding the provisions
of subsection(2) of this section, a person who was a member of the House of
Representatives or of the Senate immediately before the dissolution may be
appointed as Minister.
(4) The office of any Minister shall become vacant-
a. if the holder of the office ceases to be a member of the House of
Representatives or of the Senate otherwise than by reason of the dissolution of
the National Assembly;
b. if, by virtue of section 59(3) or 64(3) of this Constitution, he is required
to cease to perform his functions as a member of the House of Representatives
or of the Senate;
c. if the Governor-General, acting in accordance with the advice of the Prime
Minister, so directs;
d. if the Prime Minister resigns from office within seven days after a
resolution of no confidence in the Government has been passed by the House of
Representatives or is removed from office under section 37(4) of this
Constitution; or
e. on the appointment of any person to the office of Prime Minister.
(5) In this section, "Minister" means a Minister of the Government other than
the Prime Minister.
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