Members and officials of the Joint Public Accounts Committee (JPAC) of the National Assembly of Belize took part in a three-day capacity-building workshop on parliamentary financial oversight and accountability, held in Belmopan from 27 to 29 July 2026. 

The training was delivered in partnership between the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) and the Canadian Audit and Accountability Foundation (CAAF) and brought together Members and officials of the JPAC to strengthen their understanding of the Committee's role, powers and procedures. 

Opening the workshop, the JPAC Chair, Hon. Godwin Haylock welcomed delegates and thanked the CPA and CAAF for partnering with the Committee to make the programme possible, along with the facilitators for the experience and practical exchange they brought to the training.

He said: 

“Around the world, Public Accounts Committees play a critical role in strengthening democracy by ensuring that public resources are managed responsibly, transparently and in the best interests of citizens. Belize is no exception. The work of the JPAC is fundamental to building public confidence in our institutions and promoting good governance.” 

Over the course of the workshop, delegates examined the role and mandate of Public Accounts Committees, explored how to work effectively with the Auditor General's Office, and considered the selection and planning of evidence-based inquiries. Sessions also turned to the practical conduct of Committee business - structuring public hearings, developing effective questioning techniques, understanding the legal framework for summoning witnesses and obtaining documents.   

The workshop concluded with the development of a roadmap for the Committee to move towards addressing the challenges they identified throughout the workshop. 

The training was delivered by a resource team consisting of Hon. Jean Yip, MP (Canada), Vice-Chair of the Canadian Standing Committee on Public Accounts; Dr Lesley Burns, Vice-President, Oversight and Professional Development at CAAF; and Marshall Tisdale, Programmes Manager at the CPA Headquarters Secretariat. 

Delegates also heard contributions from the Auditor-General of Belize, Dr Maria Rodriguez, and from Benjamin Fuentes of the INTOSAI Development Initiative (IDI). 

Beyond the workshop itself, participants were equipped to strengthen the draft JPAC Manual, propose amendments to standing orders, and agree a framework for tracking the implementation of the Committee's recommendations — building on the training to support the JPAC's longer-term development. 

The Clerk of the National Assembly of Belize, Mrs Clarita Pech, said in a statement:  

“The National Assembly is pleased to collaborate with the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association and the Canadian Audit and Accountability Foundation in delivering this important training programme. The Joint Public Accounts Committee Training Programme provided Members with valuable practical insight into the Committee’s mandate, its relationship with the Office of the Auditor-General, and its important role in strengthening parliamentary oversight and public accountability. The participation of the Auditor-General of Belize together with the expertise shared by the facilitators and delegates joining virtually, greatly enriched the discussions.” 

-ENDS- 

The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) is an international community of 180 Parliaments and Legislatures working together to deepen the Commonwealth’s commitment to the highest standards of democratic governance. Founded in 1911, the CPA brings together Members of Parliament and parliamentary staff to identify benchmarks of good governance and implement the enduring values of the Commonwealth. It offers a vast opportunity for Parliamentarians and parliamentary staff to collaborate on issues of mutual interest and to share good practice.