Membership of the Board

(1) There shall be a Belize Defence Board hereinafter referred to as the “Board” which shall consist of the following members– (a) the Minister responsible for defence who shall be the chairperson; (b) such other Minister as shall be appointed by the Prime Minister, who shall be deputy chairperson; (c) the Permanent Secretary to the Ministry responsible for defence; (d) the Chief of Defence Staff of the Ministry responsible for defence; and (e) the Commander Belize Defence Force. (2) The Chief Executive Officer to the Ministry responsible for defence shall function as the secretary of the Board. (3) In the absence of the chairperson whether through illness or otherwise, the deputy chairperson, if present, shall act as chairperson. (4) Notwithstanding any vacancy in its membership, it shall be lawful for the Board to hold meetings and to carry out its duties, functions and obligations hereunder. (5) The Board shall meet as often as is necessary to carry out its duties, functions and obligations hereunder. 16 (6) Any question arising at any meeting of the Board shall be determined by a majority of the votes of those present. The chairperson shall have, if there is an equality of votes, a second or casting vote. (7) Subject to the foregoing provisions of this section and those of this Act, the Board may regulate its own procedure.