76 Alcaldes Sworn in to Serve Maya Communities in Southern Belize

Seventy-six Alcaldes and Deputy Alcaldes from 38 Maya villages in southern Belize have officially been sworn in to serve their communities for the 2025–2026 term. The ceremony was presided over by Attorney General Anthony Sylvestre.

The Alcaldes, entrusted with maintaining order and mediating disputes under Maya customary law, also hold the status of judicial officers under Belize’s Inferior Court Act. Their role bridges tradition with the legal framework of the country, ensuring governance at the community level.

Attorney General Sylvestre, the keynote speaker at the event, highlighted the significance of the Alcaldes’ responsibilities. “In ceremonies like these, where there is a meeting and embracing of the old and the new ways for the preservation and stability of your communities and the nation of Belize. As Alcaldes and Deputy Alcaldes, you play such a vital and important role in your communities, in important decision-making and preserving peace, law and order, and dispensing justice in your communities.”

The event also saw the participation of key government and security officials, including Lieutenant Colonel Ramirez of the Belize Defence Force and Superintendent Brenton Hamilton of the Belize Police Department.

Minister of Rural Transformation, Community Development, Labour, and Local Government, Oscar Requena, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to working alongside the Alcaldes for the continued development of Maya communities. The Solicitor General of Belize, Elisa Montalvo, and Senator Bevin Cal, representing Osmond Martinez, were also present.

Pedro Teul, President of the Toledo Alcaldes Association, encouraged the newly sworn-in leaders to embrace their roles with dedication. “As you step into this new role, may you draw strength from the rich heritage of our ancestors, and may you be inspired by the shared commitment of all those gathered here today,” he said.

The swearing-in ceremony was coordinated by the Attorney General’s Ministry, the Ministry of Rural Transformation, and the Toledo Alcaldes Association.