About Us
The Vital Statistics Unit is a critical government entity under the Attorney General’s Ministry. It maintains comprehensive records of births, deaths, marriages, and other vital events nationwide. Headed by the Registrar, the VSU serves as the authoritative source for documenting key life events and providing official identities. Guided by relevant laws, it ensures accurate documentation of essential personal data. With branches across Belize, the VSU plays a pivotal role in upholding citizens’ rights and entitlements throughout their lives.
The head quarters is located in Belize City, with six additional outpost branches strategically situated in Corozal, Orange Walk, Belmopan, San Ignacio, Dangriga, and Punta Gorda to serve the entire nation. The VSU’s operations are guided by the Civil Registration (Vital Statistics) Act 2024.
Vision and Mission
Vision
To safeguard the integrity of vital records, ensure universal access to reliable demographic data to our clients in the most easy and convenient way, and empower policymakers and stakeholders with accurate insights to foster inclusive socio-economic development and improve the well-being of our citizens.
Mission
To preserve, protect and record vital life events and provide legal documentation of identity in Belize, because every life is accounted for, and every story matters.
VALUES
Accountable
Integrity
Accessibility
Confidentiality
Efficiency
Accuracy
Senior Management Team
Mrs. Elisa Montalvo -Smith
Solicitor General and Registrar of Births and Deaths Attorney General’s Ministry
Tel: +501-822-2504
Email: Info@agm.gov.bz
Ms. Laila Burgos
Deputy Registrar
Tel: +501-223-5625
Email: info@vsu.gov.bz
Ms. Karen Cienfuegos
Assistant Registrar
Tel: +501-223-5625
Email: info@vsu.gov.bz
Ms. Lynette Hemsley
Administrative Assistant
Tel: +501-223-5625
Email: info@vsu.gov.bz
Objectives
Universal Birth, Death, Marriage, Divorce and Adoption Registration
The VSU is actively promoting new technological initiatives to ensure universal registration coverage for births, deaths, marriages, divorces, and adoptions, with a particular focus on remote and underserved areas. It collaborates with local communities and civil society organizations to increase awareness about the importance and benefits of registration.
Enhance Data Accessibility, sharing and identity rights
The VSU is developing and promoting a user-friendly system for accessing vital records, ensuring easy and equal information access for all citizens. It advocates for the right to identity while protecting individuals' privacy and data security in accordance with Belizean policies. The unit provides critical input to other ministries, helping in policy creation and socio-economic analyses.
Foster a culture of continuous improvement
The VSU continually evaluates and improves its processes, services, and data collection methods to meet changing needs and challenges. It invests in staff training and professional development to keep up with best practices in vital statistics management. There's a growing recognition across government institutions of the VSU's crucial role and the value of the information it gathers.
Communicate the Value of Vital Statistics
VSU builds awareness on the importance of vital statistics and how they impact daily life and access to services. Using diverse communication channels such as social media and community events, the unit is working to increase understanding of its role in protecting individual rights and supporting national development.
Partners
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