Today, Tuesday, 10th March 2020, the SENATE convened in the National Assembly Chambers in Belmopan for a Sitting of the Senate. The Sitting began at 10:04 A.M.  with all Members of the Senate present. Senator Rev. Ashley Rocke said a word of prayer  followed by the swearing in of new Senator Payal Ghanwani, who took the Oath of Allegiance. Shortly after, Mr. President made a brief remark on the passing of the 4 BDF Soldiers and thereafter asked the Senators to join him in observing a moment of silence.

At todays Sitting, one (1) Bill was brought from the House of Representatives which was the Government Contracts (Validation) Bill, 2020, however, after the debate in Second reading, a division was called by Senator Michel Chebat and the Senate divided as follows: 7 Senator voted “Yes” and 6 Senators voted “No”. The “ayes” had it.

As well, eight (8) Papers were ordered to lie on the Table. They were Sessional Papers No:

68/1/13    – Coastal Zone Management Authority and Institute – Audited Financial Statements for the Year Ended March 31, 2019.

69/1/13    – International Business Companies (Variation of Fees) Order, 2020.

70/1/13    – Ministry of Works – Corozal to Sarteneja Road Upgrading Contract No. 183.

71/1/13    – Ministry of Works – Sixth Road (Coastal Highway Upgrading) Project – Lots 1 and 2 Consultancy Services for Engineering Supervision Phase 2 (Two) Construction and Post Construction Services Contract No. 202.

72/1/13    – Ministry of Works – Sixth Road (Coastal Highway Upgrading) Project – Lot 1 (One) (La Democracia to Soldier Creek Bridge) Contract No. 203.

73/1/13    – Ministry of Works – Sixth Road (Coastal Highway Upgrading) Project – Lot 2 (Two) (Soldier Creek Bridge to Coastal Highway/ Hummingbird Highway Junction) Contract No. 204.

74/1/13    – Ministry of Works – Caracol Road Upgrading Project – Lot1a (Santa Elena To Tripartite Junction and Georgeville to Tripartite Junction) Contract No. 205.

75/1/13    – Ministry of Works – Caracol Road Upgrading Project – Lot1b (Tripartite Junction to Blancaneaux Lodge Line) Contract No. 206

There were also two (2) Motions that were referred to the Constitution and Foreign Affairs Committee for examination, consideration and report and were later adopted. Those were:

1. Resolution Authorizing the Ratification by Belize of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons Motion, 2020. 

2. Re-Appointment of Ombudsman Motion, 2020

At the Adjournment, approval was given by the Hon. Mr. President for Senator Isabel Bennett to speak on a matter of national importance regarding the Coronavirus. Senator Godwin Hulse gave a short input on the matter as well. The meeting then adjourned at 1:15 P.M.