Belt course

[3] Although the belt course has its origins as a structural component of a building,[3] by the 18th century it was almost purely a decorative element and had no functional purpose.

Flashing is used to cover the space exposed by the shelf angle to help limit the intrusion of water.

Where flashing is considered aesthetically unpleasing, a belt course is often used.

[4] In Jamaican building construction, "belt course" or "belting" refers to a continuous concrete beam or slab that is boxed and cast across the top of the wall spanning the concrete blocks and tying in all columns to provide structural support and to carry the weight of the roof or another story.

The slabs or beams across windows and doors are called "lintel" and are there for structural support.