NGOs Endorse Janelle Chanona to Continue as Belize’s 13th Senator

Following the 2025 general elections, Belize’s non-governmental organisations (NGOs) have officially endorsed Janelle Chanona to remain as their representative in the Senate. The announcement came after the Belize Network of Non-Governmental Organisations (BNN) invited nominations from organisations in good standing, as recognised by the Belize Companies and Corporate Affairs Registry (BCCAR).

No new nominations or objections were received, with multiple endorsements instead submitted in favour of Senator Chanona, who has represented the NGO community in the Upper House since March 2022.

Chanona said, “It has been my honour and privilege to serve as your voice in the corridors of power. Together, we reaffirm our commitment to collaboration and cooperation with the Government of Belize to leverage the strengths of our collective voice, skills, and resources to shape governance proposals that benefit all Belizeans, especially women, youth, and marginalised groups. As the world bears witness to the fragility of democracy and freedom, we are united in the fight to defend these hard-won rights daily. Advocating and advancing our shared goal of good governance to achieve sustainable human development remains the priority.”

The BNN Board of Directors will now formally request her reappointment from the Governor General, in accordance with Section 61, 4(1) of the Belize Constitution. Chanona is expected to be officially sworn in at the first Senate sitting of the new parliamentary session.