Interpretation

(1) For the purposes of this Part, subject to sections 24 and 25, a person born aboard a ship or aircraft registered in Belize , or aboard an unregistered ship or aircraft of the Government of Belize, shall not be deemed to have been born in Belize. (2) Any reference in this Part to the national status of the father of a person at the time of that person’s birth shall, in relation to a person born after the death of his father, be construed as a reference to the national status of the father at the time of the father’s death; and where that death occurred before 21st day of September, 1981 and the birth occurred on or after 21st day of September, 1981, the national status that the father would have had if he had died on 21st day of September, 1981 shall be deemed to be his national status at the time of his death. 47 (3) No person shall be entitled under the provisions of this Part to be a citizen of Belize or be granted citizenship of Belize if such person shows any allegiance to or is a citizen of a country which does not recognise the independence, sovereignty or territorial integrity of Belize, Provided that the Minister may in his discretion grant Belize an citizenship to persons falling under this subsection who would otherwise be entitled to such citizenship under the provisions of sections 23 and 25 of this Constitution. (4) Where a person born outside Belize is entitled to be a citizen of Belize under the provisions of this Part, the right to Belizean citizenship shall not be deemed to accrue upon the conditions giving rise to such entitlement arising but the citizenship shall be sought for by the person entitled to or on his behalf and obtained by the grant by the Minister of proper certification affirming his citizenship. (5) Where a person claiming citizenship by birth, descent or registration makes an application or request for the grant of citizenship the stay of such person in Belize shall not be considered illegal under the provisions of any law for so long and only for so long as such stay is necessary for the disposal of his application. His right of abode, or that of his wife or dependents if any under the age of eighteen years, shall not be affected pending the disposal of his application.