Commonwealth Secretariat, Belize and CARICOM Competition Commission partner to improve competition law and policy

As the regional competition regulator, CCC is mandated to support CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME) member states in developing national competition laws and establishing national competition authorities in accordance with Chapter VIII of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas, 2001. The Commonwealth, in line with its strategy to strengthen member countries’ trade competitiveness and advance development through strategic partnerships, joined forces to advance this mandate to CSME member states.

This workshop marked a significant step in Belize’s efforts to meet its Treaty obligations by equipping key government officials with the knowledge and tools needed to establish a National Competition Regulator and promote a competitive, fair and resilient marketplace.

In his keynote address, Hon Marconi Leal Jr, Minister of State - Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade, Culture and Immigration, said that Belize is working towards its first modern competition framework to ensure that competition policy benefits many and not few. He said

“We are building the institutional architecture for the economy Belize is becoming. Competition policy is part of that architecture. A modern competition framework keeps markets open to new entrants and new ideas. Let me be clear, this is not about limiting business, it is about creating an environment where businesses can grow, compete and invest with clarity and confidence.”

Participants benefited from the expertise of regional leaders in competition enforcement, including from David Miller, Executive Director of the Jamaica Fair Trading Commission; Bevan Narinesingh, Trinidad and Tobago Fair Trade Commission; and Dr Troy Waterman, Barbados Fair Trade Commission. Their insights offered practical guidance on establishing and operationalising national competition institutions.

Marc Jones, Senior Legal Counsel of the CCC, said they were pleased to partner with the Commonwealth Secretariat and the Government of Belize on this critical work. He said:

“It represents a milestone in our longstanding technical assistance to Belize; which is part of the Commission’s wider strategy to bolster CSME Member States’ economic resilience through implementation of competition and consumer law frameworks to promote trade and investment as well as to safeguard consumers.”

Highlighting the Commonwealth’s commitment to partnership-driven development, Azuka Ogundeji, Trade Competitiveness Adviser at the Commonwealth Secretariat, said:

“Inclusive and competitive markets are crucial for resilient economies. MSME’s are the drivers of economies and, in the Caribbean — where over 50 per cent of MSME’s are owned by women — in a market that is vulnerable to external shocks, it is imperative to ensure fair markets. An inclusive national competition law is a critical requirement for successful market performance.”

The Commonwealth Secretariat’s continued partnership with the CCC and now UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) actively strengthens support to member countries.

Over the three days, participants examined the core economic and legal foundations of competition law, along with the institutional and legislative frameworks needed for effective enforcement. The programme also focused on practical strategies for advancing competition policy in Belize, drawing on lessons from comparable markets. In addition, participants explored cooperation mechanisms and engagement with sector regulators, studied key aspects of consumer protection law, and considered how gender perspectives can be integrated into competition policy design and implementation.