Employment / Belize / Judgment report
Belize tourism board cannot escape contracts through approval defects
The CCJ upheld two employment agreements while confirming that appointment procedures had not complied with the board’s governing statute.
Karen Bevans and Misty Michael’s employment contracts survived the Belize Tourism Board’s challenge. On 8 October 2026, the CCJ dismissed the board’s appeals and the employees’ cross-appeals, making no order for costs.
The chair and deputy had signed without recorded board approval. Ministerial approval, the board’s acquiescence and the employees’ service mattered under Belize’s statute. Enforceability did not erase the procedural defect or establish actual signing authority.
The court also rejected a penalty challenge to payment on termination without cause, treating it as a primary contractual obligation. This does not establish that every irregular appointment or termination payment is enforceable.
Historical October judgment, checked in November. Official news appeared on 15 October; that is not the decision date.
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