SIB Consults on New Law to Modernize Belize’s Statistical System

The Statistical Institute of Belize, SIB, has begun consultations on proposed legislation intended to modernize and strengthen the country’s national statistical system.  SIB today hosted a one-day sensitization session on the draft National Data and Statistical Systems Act, 2026, at the Best Western Plus Belize Biltmore Plaza. Senior representatives from agencies that produce official data reviewed the proposed law and considered how it could affect their roles and responsibilities.  While SIB currently operates under its own legislation, there is no comprehensive law governing the wider National Statistical System. The draft Act seeks to close that gap by establishing a unified legal framework and clearly defining how participating agencies produce, share, protect and use data for statistical purposes.  The legislation is also intended to improve coordination among data-producing agencies and support the delivery of timely and reliable statistics for national planning and decision-making.  During the session, participants identified areas requiring clarification and submitted recommendations for consideration before the legislation is finalized. The United Nations Development Programme provided technical support for the drafting process through the Korea International Cooperation Agency-funded “Enabling of Belize’s Statistical System” project.