Open Records Laws › Belize

Belize

Freedom of Information Act

Freedom of Information Act, 1994 (amended 2000)

Open Records Transparency: 57/100 (moderate) Transparency Score: 57/100

RTI Rating: 85 (source)

Response Timeline

Initial Response
14 days
Residency Required
None

Authorities must respond "as soon as practicable" within two weeks (14 days). Deferral allowed when reasonable in the public interest, with notification required to requester.

How to Submit a Request

Accepted Methods

  • Written — Written request to relevant Ministry or prescribed authority

Submit written request to the relevant Ministry or prescribed authority. No official forms required. Must include information reasonably necessary to identify the document(s). No requirement to state reasons for request. Authorities must assist requesters needing clarification.

Required Elements

  • Information reasonably necessary to identify the document(s)

Fees

No fees mentioned for filing or accessing information. Fees may apply for document reproduction but are not specified in the law.

Exemptions

  • National Security
    Information affecting national security, defense, or international relations
  • Privacy
    Personal information protected under privacy provisions
  • Commercial Interests
    Trade secrets and confidential commercial information
  • Other Legislation Override
    Documents exempt by other legislation (Section 25 override)

CRITICAL WEAKNESS: Section 25 allows other legislation to override RTI protections. Weak public interest override (minimal provision, 1/4 RTI points). No mandatory harm test for exemptions.

Appeal Process

1

Internal Appeal to Minister/Principal Officer

Appeal to responsible Minister or principal officer. Must respond within 14 days.

2

Office of the Ombudsman

Independent Ombudsman has binding authority to review denials. Cannot override ministerial certificates claiming national security exemptions. Reports to Parliament.

3

Supreme Court Judicial Review

Right to appeal Ombudsman decisions to Supreme Court.

Three-tier process: internal appeal to Minister/principal officer, external review by independent Ombudsman with binding authority, then judicial review in Supreme Court. Ombudsman cannot override ministerial certificates on national security matters.

Sources & References