Today, Friday, 25th September 2020, the House of Representatives met in the Chambers of the National Assembly in Belmopan for a Special Sitting.

On the day’s agenda were three (3) Bills for Introduction. Those were:

1. Defence (Amendment) Bill, 2020.

Bill for an Act to amend the Defence Act, Chapter 135 of the Substantive Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2011; to update the provisions of bringing them into conformity with the Belize Constitution and other laws; and to provide for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.

2. Representation of the People (Amendment) Bill, 2020.

Bill for an Act to amend the Representation of the People Act, Chapter 9 of the Substantive Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2011; to extend the time for the restriction of the sale of intoxicating liquor on election day; and to provide for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.

3. Trade in Endangered Species Bill, 2020.

Bill for an Act to give effect to the provisions of the CITES on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora; to promote the management, conservation and protection of threatened and endangered species; and to provide for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.

As well there were five (5) Bills, that were brought for Second Reading. Those were:

1.  Immigration (Amendment) (No.2) Bill, 2020.

Bill for an Act to amend the Immigration Act, Chapter 156 of the Substantive Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2011; in relation to the movement of nationals of Caribbean Community States; to provide for the expansion of the definition of dependant to include spouses and dependants of the national; the inclusion of new definitions, the clarification of the periods of automatic and indefinite stay for nationals of Caribbean Community States; the inclusion of Haiti to the list of qualifying Caribbean Community States; and to provide for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.

2. Caribbean Community (Free Movement of Skilled Persons) (Amendment) Bill, 2020.

Bill for an Act to amend the Caribbean Community (Free Movement of Skilled Persons) Act, Chapter 17:02 of the Substantive Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2011; to make provision, in the interest of administrative and operational efficiency, for inclusion of new definitions and the expansion of existing definitions, for the inclusion of new categories of approved persons among other things; and to provide for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.

3. Land Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2020.

Bill for an Act to amend the Land Tax Act, Chapter 58 of the Substantive Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2011; to empower the Minister to remit land tax where there is the spread of an infectious disease; and to provide for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.

4. Radiation Safety and Security Bill, 2020.

Bill for an Act to provide for the safe, secure and peaceful uses of nuclear technology, for the establishment of a regulatory body, for that purpose, to be known as the Radiation Safety and Security Office; and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.

5. Cybercrime Bill, 2020.

Bill for an Act to combat cybercrime by creating offences of cybercrime; to provide for penalties, investigation and prosecution of the offences of cybercrime; and to provide for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.

 

At the end there were seven (7) Bills that passed in today’s Sitting. Those were the Defence (Amendment) Bill, 2020; Representation of the People (Amendment) Bill, 2020; Immigration (Amendment) (No.2) Bill, 2020; Caribbean Community (Free Movement of Skilled Persons) (Amendment) Bill, 2020; Land Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2020; Radiation Safety and Security Bill, 2020; and Cybercrime Bill, 2020.

Several Members of the House of Representatives spoke on the adjournment. The Meeting was adjourned at 4:50. P.M.