By Myrtle Palacio

Studies on ethnicity and migration on the Garifuna have been conducted by two scholars, J. Palacio (1992) and N. Gonzalez (1986). While Palacio has primarily investigated the attempts of self-improvement of the Garifuna people in Los Angeles, Gonzalez has studied the rebirth of the Garifuna in New York. In both cases, the point of departure was the "idealized" viewpoint of the Garifuna as rural people. This study shows that within seven generations, the Garifuna are now urban people, having emigrated permanently from their rural coastal communities to inner city America. To embrace "American" cultural traits, they have discarded traditional Garifuna cultural traits.

By Myrtle Palacio

The Objective of “A Framework for Voter Education” is to provide a resourcefor organizations or individuals who wish to educate Belizeans on the rights and responsibilities of Electors, as well as those desirous of developing curricula in civics.
It consists of a collection of salient, topical areas for voter education. For quick reference and easy reading, the presentation is organized in a mix of popular education and brochure style format. Although the content is in detailed summary form, the quantity and variety of topics make this book a one-stop resource for civic education in Belize.

By Myrtle Palacio
© Glessima Research & Services Ltd. 1993

The “First Primer” was written primarily for students, teachers and media personnel— those who are in the business of imparting knowledge. It is a concise story of a People—their history, culture, and their circumstance. The pictures clearly depict some symbols selected by the author to identify the Garifuna. The booklet is meant to be easily read as quick reference material that is accurate, which strikes a balance between a scholarly product and a popular brochure format. “The First Primer” is dedicated to the youths of Belize—that they may find themselves!

By Myrtle Palacio
© Glessima Research & Services Ltd. 1993


“Who and What” is a descriptive analysis of Belize’s elections between the first election after adult suffrage, 1954 and 1993 the time it was published. To date it is the only one of its kind on Beleze. Besides the historical information, the book also demonstrates the results of all these elections. It is a must have and read for politicians and students of the social sciences.

A Thesis Presented to The Faculty of the Graduate School of the University of New Orleans
In Partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Science in Urban Studies
by I. Myrtle Palacio

A Vision for Change: A Social Plan for Belize City
Myrtle Palacio
University of New Orleans
December 1995

by Myrtle Palacio
Spear SOB Conference Nov 1990

Ref. SPEAReports 6 (pag - 68-81)
(SPEAR Third Annual Studies on Belize Conference)

by Myrtle Palacio
Spear SOB Conference Oct 1991

Ref. SPEAReports 7 (pag - 48-60)
(SPEAR Fourth Annual Studies on Belize Conference)

There are 4 types of elections in Belize. Although, this manual is geared towards
national/general elections, the processes are the same for the Town/City Council
Elections and Referendum. Therefore, the same rules apply in most instances. The
Village Council Act Chapter 88, Revised Edition 2000 and Statutory Instrument 100 of
2003 guide the conduct of Village Council Elections.

About This Manual

An attempt has been made in this Manual to present the basic rules and regulations, which pertain
to Elections in Belize. Its preparation was guided by the assumption that it will be used as a
quick reference and guide only, and not as a substitute for the careful reading and study of the
source material laid out in the Representation of The People Act (ROPA), Chapter 9 of the Laws
of Belize, and other Acts pertaining to Elections.