Repeals and Savings. Schedules: Schedule I — Constitution of the National Council for Education Schedule II — Constitution of the Belize National Council for Technical and Vocational Education Schedule III — Constitution of the Belize Teaching Service Commission Schedule IV — Constitution of the Teaching Service Appeals Tribunal Schedule V — Constitution of the Belize Board of Teacher Education 8

(1) The Education Act, Cap. 36 and the Belize Technical and Vocational Education and Training Act, No. 4 of 2005 are hereby repealed. (2) Notwithstanding the repeal of the said Acts, (a) Rules, and made thereunder shall continue to be in force insofar as they are not inconsistent with this Act until repealed and replaced by Rules, Regulations and Orders made under this Act; (b) Licences and other documents issued under the said Acts shall insofar as they are not inconsistent with this Act, continue to be effective for such period and subject to such terms and conditions as may be stated therein. Education and Training [CAP. 36.0161 SCHEDULE I EDUCATION AND TRAINING ACT Constitution of the National Council for Education [section 10] 1.-(1) There shall be a Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson and Secretary of the Education Council. Officers. (2) The Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson shall be elected by members of the Education Council from its membership at its first meeting. (3) The Chief Education Officer shall be the Secretary, to the Education Council, provided that where the Chief Education Officer is unable to be present at a meeting of the Education Council he shall name an alternate to act as secretary. (4) Any vacancy on the Education Council shall be filled by a replacement appointed by the Minister and such a replacement shall be for the rest of the unexpired term of the person replaced and must be from the same category of persons as the former member. (5) The Education Council shall be deemed to be properly constituted for the purposes of this Act notwithstanding any vacancy amongst the members or any defect in the appointment of a member thereto. 2.-(1) The term of office of the members of the Education Council, other than ex officio members, shall be for three years from the date of appointment but members shall be eligible for reappointment. Term of office. 62 (2) The appointment of a member of the Education Council referred to in section 8 (2) (b) to (h) of this Act may only be revoked by the Minister on the recommendation of the organization which recommended the appointment of such member. (3) Where the appointment of a member of the Education Council referred to in section 8 (2) (b) to (h) of this Act is revoked pursuant to subsection (2) of this section, another member shall be appointed in the same manner as the previous member, and shall hold office for the unexpired term of office of the previous member. (4) A member, other than an ex officio member, who absents himself from three consecutive meetings of the Education Council without cause sufficient in the opinion of the Chairperson, shall cease to be a member. (5) The Chairperson may at any time resign his office by informing the Minister in writing of his resignation. (6) Any member of the Education Council may resign his office by informing the Minister in writing through the Chairperson of his resignation. (7) The Minister may terminate the appointment of a member who is incapable of carrying out his responsibility as a member of the Education Council. 3.-(1) The Education Council shall meet every three months. At least one meeting annually shall he held jointly with TVET Council. (2) Notice of every meeting shall be given and the agenda of the meeting and minutes of previous meeting thereof circulated not less than seven days prior to the date of such meeting, provided that this shall not apply to special meetings. Education and Training [CAP. 36.0163 (3) The Chairperson shall preside over all meetings of the Education Council which he attends and in his absence the Vice-Chairperson shall preside. When both the Chairperson and the Vice-Chairperson are absent from a meeting, the members present shall choose one of their number to act as Chairperson. (4) Eight members of the Education Council shall form a quorum at any meeting. (5) Decisions of the Education Council at meetings thereof shall be taken by the majority of members present and voting. (6) No recommendations of the Education Council or of any committee thereof shall be invalidated on account of any vacancy among the members of the Education Council or such committee. 4. The Chairperson may, at any time, summon a special meeting of the Education Council and must call such a meeting within fourteen days, Special meetings. (a) of a request for that purpose addressed to him in writing and signed by at least five members of the Education Council; or (b) of a direction to that effect addressed to him in writing and signed by the Minister, Provided that such request shall state the specific purpose for which the meeting is required to be summoned and that such meeting shall consider only the specific purpose for which it was summoned. 5.-(1) Minutes of each meeting shall be kept by the Secretary or such person as the Education Council appoints for this purpose; and must be confirmed at the next regular meeting of the Education Council. Minutes. 64 (2) The Education Council shall keep a minute book in which its proceedings shall be recorded. (3) A copy of the confirmed minutes of each meeting shall be forwarded to the Minister as soon as possible after the meeting at which they were confirmed. Standing or ad hoc committees. 6.-(1) The Education Council is empowered to appoint standing or ad hoc committees as it deems expedient. (2) Each standing or ad hoc committee shall consist of members appointed by the Education Council from among its members. However, the Education Council can also appoint persons to a standing or ad hoc committee who are not members of the Education Council but have specific expertise. (3) The Chairperson of any standing or ad hoc committee formed by the Education Council shall be a member of the Education Council and shall be appointed by the Chairperson of the Education Council. (4) The Education Council shall decide on the terms of office, powers and functions of every standing or ad hoc committee it appoints under subsection (1) of this section. (5) Recommendations of standing or ad hoc committees shall be submitted to Education Council for its review and the Education Council shall then submit such final recommendations to the Minister. Education and Training [CAP. 36.0165 SCHEDULE II EDUCATION AND TRAINING ACT Constitution of The Belize National Council for Technical and Vocational Education [section 14] 1.-(1) There shall be a Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson and Secretary of the TVET Council. Officers. (2) The Chairperson shall be elected by the members of the TVET Council from among the members representing the private sector or a professional group. (3) The Vice-Chairperson shall be elected by members of the TVET Council from its membership at its first meeting. (4) The Chief Education Officer shall be the Secretary to the TVET Council, provided that where the Chief Education Officer is unable to be present at a meeting of the TVET Council he shall name an alternate to act as secretary. (5) Any vacancy on the TVET Council shall he filled by a replacement appointed by the Minister and such a replacement shall be for the rest of the unexpired term of the person replaced and must be from the same category of persons as the former member. (6) The TVET Council shall be deemed to be properly constituted for the purposes of this Act notwithstanding any vacancy amongst the members or any defect in the appointment of a member thereto. Term of Office. 2.-(1) The members of the TVET Council shall be appointed by the Minister for such period not exceeding three years as 66 may he specified in the instruments appointing them, but shall be eligible for reappointment. (2) The appointment of a member of the TVET Council referred to in section 12 (2) (b) to (o) of this Act may only be revoked by the Minister on the recommendation of the organization which recommended the appointment of such member. (3) A member, other than an ex-officio member, who absents himself from three consecutive meetings of the Education Council without cause sufficient in the opinion of the Chairperson, shall cease to be a member. (4) Where the appointment of a member of the TVET Council referred to in section 12 (2) (b) to (o) of this Act is revoked pursuant to subsection (2) of this section , another member shall be appointed in the same manner as the previous member, and shall hold office for the unexpired term of office of the previous member. 3.-(1) The TVET Council shall meet every three months. At least one meeting annually shall be held jointly with Education Council. (2) Notice of every meeting shall be given and the agenda of the meeting and minutes of previous meeting thereof circulated not less than seven days prior to the date of such meeting, provided that this shall not apply to special meetings. (3) The Chairperson shall preside over all meetings of the TVET Council which he attends and in his absence the Vice- Chairperson shall preside. When both the Chairperson and the Vice-Chairperson are absent from a meeting, the members present shall choose one of their number to act as Chairperson. (4) Eight members of the TVET Council shall form a quorum at any meeting. Education and Training [CAP. 36.0167 (5) Decisions of the TVET Council at meetings thereof shall be taken by the majority of members present and voting. (6) No recommendations of the TVET Council or of any committee thereof shall be invalidated on account of any vacancy among the members of the TVET Council or such committee. 4. The Chairperson may, at any time, summon a special meeting of the TVET Council and must call such a meeting within fourteen days, Special Meetings. (a) of a request for that purpose addressed to him in writing and signed by at least five members of the TVET Council; or (b) of a direction to that effect addressed to him in writing and signed by the Minister; Provided that such request shall state the specific purpose for which the meeting is required to be summoned and that such meeting shall consider only the specific purpose for which it was summoned. 5.-(1) Minutes of each meeting shall be kept by the Secretary or such person as the TVET Council appoints for this purpose; and must be confirmed at the next regular meeting of the TVET Council. Minutes. (2) The TVET Council shall keep a minute book in which its proceedings shall be recorded. (3) A copy of the confirmed minutes of each meeting shall be forwarded to the Minister as soon as possible after the meeting at which they were confirmed. 6.-(1) The TVET Council is empowered to appoint standing or ad hoc committees as it deems expedient. Standing or ad hoc committees. 68 (2) Each standing or ad hoc committee shall consist of members appointed by the TVET Council from among its members. However, the TVET Council can also appoint persons to a standing or ad hoc-committee who are not members of the TVET Council but have specific expertise. (3) The Chairperson of any standing or ad hoc committee formed by the TVET Council shall be a member of the TVET Council and shall be appointed by the Chairperson of the TVET Council. (4) The TVET Council shall decide on the terms of office, powers and functions of every standing or ad hoc committee it appoints under subsection (1). (5) Recommendations of standing or ad hoc committees shall be submitted to TVET Council for its review and the TVET Council shall then submit such final recommendations to the Minister. Education and Training [CAP. 36.0169 SCHEDULE III EDUCATION AND TRAINING ACT Constitution of The Belize Teaching Service Commission [section 18] 1.-(1) There shall be a Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, and Secretary of the Commission, Officers of Commission. (a) the Chairperson shall be appointed by the Governor General in accordance with section 15 (2) (a) of this Act; (b) the Vice-Chairperson shall be elected from among other members of the Commission who are not ex- officio members; (c) the Director of the Commission’s Secretariat shall serve as secretary to the Commission, ex-officio; the secretary shall not have a vote. (2) Each nominating body shall as soon as possible after the commencement of this Act, furnish to the Minister the names of the persons whom they nominate for appointment under section 15 (2) (b) of this Act. (3) If any vacancy occurs in the membership of the Commission such vacancy shall be filled by the appointment of another member who shall, subject to the provisions of this Schedule, hold office for the remainder of the period for which the previous member was appointed, so, however, that such appointment shall be made in the same manner and from the same category of persons, if any, as the appointment of the previous member. 70 (4) A nominating body may at any time by instrument in writing addressed to the Minister cancel the nomination of any person nominated by it. (5) Whenever pursuant to subsections (3) and (4) of this section, the occasion requires, the nominating body shall submit to the Prime Minister the name of an additional person in place of any person whose nomination has been cancelled. (6) The names of all members of the Commission as first constituted and every change in the membership thereof shall be published in the Gazette, and in at least one newspaper of general circulation in Belize. (7) The Commission shall be deemed to be properly constituted for the purposes of this Act notwithstanding any vacancy amongst the members or any defect in the appointment of a member thereto. Term of office. 2.-(1) Subject to the provisions of this Schedule, a member of the Commission shall hold office for a period not exceeding three years and each member shall be eligible for reappointment; however, in no case shall any member be eligible for reappointment for more than two consecutive terms. (2) Subject to the provisions of this section of this schedule, the office of a member of the Commission shall become vacant, (a) at the expiration of three years from the date of his appointment or such earlier time, being not less than two years, as may be specified in the instrument by which he was appointed; (b) if any circumstances arise that, if he were not a member of the Commission, would cause him to be disqualified for appointment as such; or Education and Training [CAP. 36.0171 (c) if the Chairperson, or any member of the Commission, submits his resignation in writing to their nominating body and to the Prime Minister and from the date of the receipt by the Prime Minister of such instrument such member shall cease to be a member of the Commission. (3) A member of the Commission may be removed from office only for inability to perform the functions of his office (whether arising from infirmity of mind or body or from any other cause) or for misbehaviour, and shall not be so removed except in accordance with the provisions of this subsection and subsections (4) and (6) immediately following. (4) A member of the Commission may be removed from office if the question of the removal has been referred to the Belize Advisory Council by the Prime Minister in accordance with the next following sub-paragraphs; (a) The Belize Advisory Council shall sit in tribunal in the manner provided for in section 54 of the Belize Constitution, Cap. 4; and (b) The Belize Advisory Council shall enquire into the matter and report on the facts thereof to the Governor- General whether that member should be removed under this section. (5) If the question of removing a member of the Commission from office has been referred to the Belize Advisory Council under the preceding subsection, the Prime Minister may suspend the member from performing the functions of his office, and any such suspension may at any time be revoked by the Prime Minister and shall in any case cease to have effect if the Belize Advisory Council advises the Prime Minister that the member should not be removed from office. 72 (6) There shall be paid to the Chairperson and other members of the Commission such remuneration, if any (whether by way of salaries or travelling or other allowances) as the Prime Minister may determine. 3.-(1) The Prime Minister on the application of any member of the Commission may grant to such member leave of absence for any period not exceeding six months and may appoint some other person to act as a member during the period of leave of absence so granted. (2) Provided that where leave of absence is granted to a nominated member, a person nominated by the nominating body concerned in accordance with the provision of section 1 (4) of this section, shall be appointed to act. 4.-(1) The Commission shall meet at least once every month and at such other times as may be necessary or expedient for the transaction of business and such meetings shall be held at such places and times and on such days as the Commission may determine, (a) In the case of the absence or inability of the Chairperson to act, the Vice-Chairperson shall exercise the functions of the Chairperson. (b) The Chairperson or, in the case of the absence or inability of the Chairperson to act, the Vice- Chairperson shall preside at the meetings of the Commission, and when so presiding the Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson shall have a casting vote. (2) Subject to the provisions of this Schedule the Commission may regulate its own proceedings. (3) The Chairperson may provide for a Recording Secretary who shall be responsible for the minutes of all Education and Training [CAP. 36.0173 meetings of the Commission and who shall liaise with the Secretary to finalize the agenda for meetings, and ensure that notice of and documents relevant to the business of meetings are circulated as required. (4) The quorum of the Commission shall be six voting members including the Chairperson or the Vice-Chairperson. (5) The decision of the Commission or of a committee appointed by it shall be by a majority of votes of the members present and voting and forming a quorum and in addition to an original vote the Chairperson or any person presiding at a meeting shall have a casting vote in any case in which the voting is equal. (6) The validity of any proceedings of the Commission shall not be affected by any vacancy amongst the members of the commission or by any defect in the appointment of a member thereof. (7) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary no act done or proceeding taken under this Act by the Commission shall be questioned on the ground of any omission, defect or irregularity not affecting the merits of the case. (8) No member of the Commission shall be personally liable for any act or default of the Commission done or omitted to be done in good faith in the course of the operation of the Commission. 5. The Chairperson may at any time call a special meeting of the Commission and shall call a special meeting to be held within seven days of a written request for that purpose addressed to him by any two members of the Commission. Special meetings. 6.-(1) The Commission shall have power to appoint a Disciplinary Committee, an Appointments Committee and such other committees from among its members as it may consider necessary from time to time and each such committee Standing or ad hoc committees. 74 shall, subject to the directions of the Commission, have power to regulate its own proceedings. (2) The Commission may delegate to any committee the power and authority to carry out on its behalf such functions as the Commission may determine so, however, that any such delegation shall be without prejudice to the performance of those functions by the Commission. (3) The Chairperson of any standing or ad hoc committee shall present the results of the committee’s proceedings to the Commission for a final decision. Education and Training [CAP. 36.0175 SCHEDULE IV EDUCATION AND TRAINING ACT Constitution of the Teaching Service Appeals Tribunal [section 22] 1.-(1) There shall be a Chairperson and Secretary of the Tribunal. Officers of Tribunal. (2) The Chairperson and other members shall be appointed by the Prime Minister in accordance with section 20 of this Act; (3) Each nominating body shall as soon as possible after the commencement of this Act, furnish to the Prime Minister the names of the persons whom (they nominate for appointment under section 20 (1) (c) of this Act. (4) A nominating body may at any time by instrument in writing addressed to the Prime Minister cancel the nomination of any person nominated by it. (5) Whenever pursuant to subsection (3) of this section, the occasion requires, the nominating body shall submit to the Prime Minister the name of an additional person in place of any person whose nomination has been cancelled. (6) The names of all members of the Tribunal as first constituted and every change in the membership thereof shall he published in the Gazette, and in at least one newspaper of general circulation in Belize. (7) The Tribunal shall be deemed to be properly constituted for the purposes of this Act notwithstanding any vacancy amongst the members or any defect in the appointment of a member thereto. 76 2.-(1) The Chairperson and other members of the Tribunal shall be appointed by the Prime Minister and shall hold office for such period not exceeding three years, as the Prime Minister shall determine and shall be eligible for reappointment. Terms of office. (2) In the case of the absence or inability to act of the Chairperson of the Tribunal, the Prime Minister may appoint a suitably qualified person to act temporarily as Chairperson. (3) In the case of the absence or inability to act of any member of the Tribunal other than the Chairperson, the Prime Minister may appoint any person to act temporarily in the place of such member. (4) Any member of the Tribunal, other than the Chairperson, may at any time resign his office by instrument in writing addressed to the Prime Minister and such resignation shall take effect as from the date of the receipt of such instrument by the Prime Minister. (5) If any vacancy occurs in the membership of the Tribunal such vacancy shall be filled by the appointment of another member who shall, subject to the provisions of this Schedule, hold office for the remainder of the period for which the previous member was appointed, so, however, that such appointment shall be made in the same manner and from the same category of persons, if any, as the appointment of the previous member. (6) There shall be paid to the Chairperson and other members of the Tribunal such remuneration whether by way of honorarium, salary or fees and such allowances as the Prime Minister may determine. Proceedings of Tribunal. 3.-(1) The quorum necessary to constitute a sitting of the tribunal shall include the Chairperson and any other two members. Education and Training [CAP. 36.0177 (2) Except as otherwise expressly provided in this Act, the Tribunal may regulate its procedure and proceedings as it thinks fit. Decisions of Tribunal. 4.-(1) The decision of the Tribunal shall be by a majority of votes of the members present and voting and, in addition to an original vote, the Chairperson shall have a casting vote in any case in which the voting is equal. (2) The Tribunal shall make its award without delay and where practicable within twenty-one days from the date of reference. (3) An award on any matter referred to the Tribunal for settlement may be made retroactive to such date not being earlier than the date on which the dispute or question lo which the award relates first arose. (4) The decision of the Tribunal as to the date on which the dispute arose shall be final. (5) Where any question arises as to the interpretation of any award of the Tribunal, any party to the award may apply for a decision on such question and the Tribunal shall decide the matter after hearing the parties or without such hearing if the consent of the parties has been first obtained. (6) The decision of the Tribunal referred to in subsection (4) shall be notified to the parties and shall be binding in the same manner as the decision in an original award. 78 SCHEDULE V EDUCATION AND TRAINING ACT Constitution of the Belize Board of Teacher Education [section 26] 1.-(1) There shall be a Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, and Secretary to the BBTE. Composition of Board. (2) The Director of the Teacher Education and Development Unit shall serve as Secretary to the BBTE. (3) The Vice-Chairperson shall be elected by members of the BBTE from its membership at its first meeting. (4) An elected officer may at any time resign office by informing the Chief Education Officer, through the Chairperson, in writing of his resignation. (5) In the event of the resignation of an officer from the Board, the vacant position on the BBTE shall be first filled in accordance with these rules of procedures and elections then held at the first possible meeting after that to fill the vacant office. Terms of Office. 2.-(1) The term of office of the members of the BBTE, other than the four ex-officio members and the two members collectively selected by those institutions approved by the Ministry to provide teacher training programs, services, or courses in Belize, shall be for three years from the date of appointment. Reappointment of members shall not be automatic and in any case such appointment shall not exceed six consecutive years. (2) The term of office of the two members collectively selected by those institutions approved by the Ministry to Education and Training [CAP. 36.0179 provide teacher training programs, services or courses in Belize, shall be on a rotational basis, each for a period not exceeding one year. (3) A normal term of office shall begin on May 1. (4) The membership of a representative may be rescinded at any time by the respective nominating institution or agency. (5) An institution or agency shall nominate a substitute if a member of the BBTE is unable to carry out his duties. (6) In the event that a named representative is unable to continue serving in his capacity as member of the BBTE, the nominating institution or agency shall advise the Chief Education Officer through the Chairperson, of the member’s resignation and of his replacement. (7) The Chairperson may ask a nominating institution or agency to appoint another representative to the BBTE if the respective member has been substituted for or absent from three (3) consecutive meetings. Such appointment shall be for the remainder of the term of office of the member who is being replaced. 3.-(1) The Chairperson shall guide the process of providing oversight on matters related to the quality of teacher education in Belize and in this capacity shall be responsible for spearheading the formulation of such policies, procedures and regulations for consideration by the BBTE. Power and functions of Chairperson. (2) The Chairperson shall preside over all meetings of the BBTE which he attends and in his absence, the Vice- Chairperson shall preside. (3) The Chairperson, with the assistance of the Secretary, shall ensure that all members and standing and ad hoc committees of the BBTE are performing effectively in accordance with their terms of reference. 80 4.-(1) The Secretary, under the direction of the Chairperson, shall guide the process of providing oversight regarding managing the delivery of teacher education in Belize with respect to policies, procedures, and regulations, and in this capacity shall be responsible for spearheading the formulation of such policies, procedures and regulations for consideration and endorsement by the BBTE. Power and Function of Secretary. (2) The Secretary shall be the primary liaison between the BBTE and the Teacher Education and Development Unit. (3) The Secretary shall provide the BBTE with the necessary documentation relating to all teacher education matters and shall ensure that the appropriate reports arising from working sessions of the BBTE are properly prepared and circulated to the respective persons. Duties of the Recording Secretary. 5.-(1) The Recording Secretary shall be responsible for the minutes of all meetings of the BBTE. (2) The Recording Secretary shall liaise with the Secretary to finalize the agenda for meetings of the BBTE and shall ensure that notice of and documents relevant to the business of meetings are circulated as required. 6.-(1) The BBTE shall meet on a quarterly basis. (2) The Secretary shall ensure that notice of every meeting be given and the agenda of the meeting and minutes of previous meeting thereof circulated not less than seven days prior to the date of such meeting, provided that this shall not apply to special meetings. (3) Six voting members of the BBTE shall form a quorum at any meeting, one of whom must be the Chairperson or Secretary of the BBTE. (4) Decisions of the BBTE at meetings thereof shall be taken by the majority of members present and voting. All Education and Training [CAP. 36.0181 members of the BBTE shall have one vote, including the ex- officio members. In the event of a tie, the Chairperson shall have the casting vote. (5) No act or proceedings of the BBTE or of any committee thereof shall be invalidated on account of any vacancy among the members of the BBTE or such committee. Special Meeting. 7.-(1) The Chairperson may, at any time, summon a special meeting of the BBTE and must call such a meeting within fourteen days of a, (a) request for that purpose addressed to him in writing and signed by at least five members of the BBTE; (b) request for that purpose addressed to him in writing by the Secretary; or (c) directive to that effect addressed to him in writing and signed by the Chief Education Officer, Provided that such request shall state the specific purpose for which the meeting is required to be summoned and that such meeting shall consider only the specific purpose for which it was summoned. Notice of such a meeting, stating the purpose of the meeting, is to be circulated no later than seven full days prior to the meeting. 8.-(1) Minutes of each meeting shall be kept by the Recording Secretary or in his absence, such person as the BBTE appoints for this purpose. (2) The Recording Secretary shall ensure that the minutes of the BBTE meetings are documented, prepared and distributed to members; and must be confirmed at the next regular meeting of the BBTE; the Chairperson of the said 82 regular meeting shall sign and date the official copy of the minutes after confirmation. (3) The Recording Secretary shall forward a copy of the confirmed minutes of each meeting to the Chief Education Officer as soon as possible after the meeting at which they were confirmed. (4) It shall be the responsibility of each member of the BBTE to maintain a file of minutes and other records of the BBTE and to ensure that these are appropriately conveyed to his supervisor and successor of the institution or agency he represents. Standing or ad hoc Committees. 9.-(1) The BBTE is empowered to appoint standing or ad hoc committees as it deems expedient. (2) Each standing or ad hoc committee shall consist of members appointed by the BBTE from among its membership. However, the BBTE can also appoint persons to a standing or ad hoc committee who are not members of the BBTE but have specific relevant expertise. (3) The chairperson of any standing or ad hoc committee formed by the BBTE shall be a member of the BBTE and shall be appointed by the Chairperson of the Board. (4) The BBTE shall decide on the terms of office, powers and functions of every standing or ad hoc committee it appoints. (5) Decisions of standing or ad hoc committees shall be taken by a majority of members present and voting.