National Disaster Preparedness and Response Advisory Committee

(1) There shall be a National Disaster Preparedness and Response Advisory Committee comprising, (a) the Prime Minister as ex officio Chairperson; (b) a Minister or public officer nominated by the Prime Minister under subsection (2) of this section, who shall act as alternate Disaster Preparedness and Response [CAP. 145 11 Chairperson in the absence of the Prime Minister; (c) such other members as may be nominated by the Prime Minister to represent, (i) the Police Department; (ii) the Belize Defence Force; (iii) the Fire Brigades; (iv) the Ministry responsible for public health; (v) the Ministry responsible for the (vi) the Ministry responsible for public works; (vii) the Ministry responsible for local government; (viii) such other Ministries and Departments of Government and statutory bodies as the Prime Minister thinks fit; and (ix) such other persons or organisations as the Prime Minister thinks fit who volunteer or are required by law to perform functions related to the mitigation of, for, response to and recovery from emergencies and disasters in Belize. 12 (2) The Prime Minister shall nominate another Minister or a public officer to serve as Chairperson of the National Advisory Committee in the Prime Minister’s absence. (3) The Chairperson or alternate Chairperson and any four other members of the National Advisory Committee shall constitute a quorum for meetings of the Committee. (4) The National Coordinator shall be the Secretary of the National Advisory Committee. (5) The National Coordinator shall, in consultation with the National Advisory Committee, establish other Committees and subcommittees charged with particular responsibilities, whether defined by geographical area or otherwise, in relation to the response to emergencies and disasters in Belize, which other Committees and subcommittees may be convened whenever a threatened disaster alert arises or a disaster strikes. (6) The National Advisory Committee and any other Committee established under subsection (5) may, subject to Rules under section 31(l) (a) of this Act, determine its own procedure.