Monday, 11th December 2023, Honourable Senators gathered in the National Assembly Chamber in Belmopan City for a Special Sitting of the Senate. The meeting began at 9:03 A.M. with the Belizean National Prayer offered by the Honourable, Senator Bishop Moses Benguche.
After prayers, Senator Luis Luke Martinez and Senator Dr. Elma Kay both subscribed to the Oath of Allegiance as Temporary Senators.
The Honourable President of the Senate made four announcements with the first expressing gratitude to those supporting the renovation of the National Assembly building.
The second announcement informed of her attendance at the Conference of Parties COP28 in Dubai where she was a panellist for two side meetings.
The third announcement recognized the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign which commenced on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.
Lastly, the fourth announcement congratulated the Senior Women’s National Team, Lady Jaguars on winning all six of their matches and qualifying to participate in the upcoming CONCACAF Women’s Gold Cup.
Following the President’s announcement was the introduction of ELEVEN (11) Bills by the Leader of Government Business, the Honourable, Senator Eamon Courtenay as follows:
- General Revenue Supplementary Appropriation (2023/2024) (No.2) Bill, 2023;
- Belizean Nationality (Amendment) Bill, 2023;
- Economic Citizenship (Abolition of Rights) Bill, 2023;
- Municipal Securities Bill, 2023;
- Fiscal Incentives (Decisions of the Minister) (Validation) Bill, 2023;
- Financial Services Commission (Amendment) Bill, 2023;
- Limited Liability Companies (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill, 2023;
- Money Laundering and Terrorism (Prevention) (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill, 2023;
- International Foundations (Amendment) Bill, 2023;
- Non-Profit Organisations (Amendment) Bill, 2023; and
- Belize City Port Acquisition and Settlement Deeds Bill, 2023
During this Special Sitting of the Senate, the following TWO (2) Papers were ordered to lie on the Table:
No. 75/1/14 – Supplementary Appropriation (No. 2) Schedule for Fiscal Year 2023/2024.
No. 76/1/14 – Twenty-First Annual Report of the Contractor General for the period 1st April 2022 to 31st March 2023.
All ELEVEN (11) Bills introduced were passed by the Senate without amendment.
This covers the events of the Special Sitting of the Senate meeting which was adjourned at 2:52 P.M.
For access to the Orders of the Day, please see the link below:
For access to the live broadcast, please see the link below:
https://www.youtube.com/live/rGp7-g_Bi1c?si=6KvgJshuisCaOrHB
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