As the institution with primary responsibility for the monetary system, Central Bank follows its precursors the Monetary Authority of Belize, which was established on 1st November 1976 and the Belize Board of Commissioners of Currency which operated from 1894 to 1976.
The establishment of the Monetary Authority and the Central Bank of Belize were central developments in the move toward Belize’s political independence. Indeed the nationalist movement of the 1950’s, which led to the attainment of self-government in 1963, was itself largely instigated by a monetary issue involving the devaluation of the Belize dollar by the British colonial government in 1949.
With economic stability being a key requirement for further growth and development, the Central Bank’s objectives are clearly stated in the Central Bank of Belize Act, 1982 as follows:
“Within the context of the economic policy of the Government, the Bank shall be guided in all its actions by the objectives of fostering monetary stability especially as regards stability of the exchange rate and promoting credit conditions conducive to the growth of the economy of Belize.”
Governors of the Central Bank of Belize:
Sir Edney Cain - January 1982 to October 1983, 1991 (Also Managing Director, MAB from 1976 to 1981).
Mr. Robert Swift - November 1983 to January 1986
Mr. Alan Slusher - February 1986 to November 1990
Mr. Keith Arnold - January 1992 to March 2002
Mr. Jorge Meliton Auil - April 2002 to September 2003
Mr. Sydney Campbell - October 2003 - September 2008
Mr. Glenford Ysaguirre - October 2008 - Present
