G.O.B. Regulates Manufacturing of National Symbols

On Friday, the House of Representatives passed a bill to regulate the use of Belize’s National Symbols. The legislation targets the commercial importation, sale, and manufacturing of materials featuring these symbols. The opposition supported the bill, and the Minister of Culture, Francis Fonseca, clarified that it doesn’t apply to creatives or public use.

 

Moses “Shyne” Barrow, Leader of the Opposition

“I am a creative and I know all about intellectual property and I have made a fortune, and my dreams come through because of my intellectual property rights. The national symbols of Belize are the intellectual property of the state on behalf of the people for Belize. So, this is long overdue.”

Francis Fonseca, Minister of Culture

“Most of the progressive countries have established a regulatory framework, a legal framework around their national symbols so that they are not abused or misused. These are our national symbol, so we have an obligation as a country and certainly as a government to ensure that we are protecting and safeguarding the use of the national symbols. There is no effect on citizens, you flying the flag in your yard, anybody else doing that. No effect at all on that. The creative people, no impact on that at all. It simply applies to importation, manufacturing and selling, if you are selling it. We want to make sure you are in compliance with he standards we have set for these national symbols.”