Consul may administer personal estate in certain events

(1) Subject to subsection (2) of this section, where any citizen of the United States of America dies within Belize, and there is no person present in Belize at the time of his death who is rightfully entitled to administer the personal estate of that deceased person, it shall be lawful for the Consul, Vice- Consul or Consular Agent of the United States of America within Belize, (a) to take possession and have the custody of the personal estate of the deceased; (b) to apply the same in payment of his or her debts and funeral expenses; and (c) to retain the surplus for the benefit of the person or persons entitled thereto. (2) Such Consul, Vice-Consul or Consular Agent shall immediately apply for and shall be entitled, without giving the bond specified in section 14 of the Administration of Estates Act, Cap. 197, to obtain letters of administration of the 5 personal estate of such deceased person, limited in such manner and for such time as the court may think fit.