Today, Friday, 22nd March 2024, Honourable Members gathered in the Chambers of the National Assembly Building in Belmopan for a Special Sitting of the House of Representatives, Day Three of the Annual Budget Debate. The meeting began at 10:31 A.M. with the Belizean National Prayer offered by Ms. Marjorie Shaw.
To kick off Day Three of the Budget Debates, the finale, the Hon. Minister of Tourism and Diaspora Relations and Member for Pickstock rose to give his speech elaborating on the current government being on a “full court press” for health and nutrition, proper education, and safe communities. The Honourable Minister also included facts in his presentation on the recovery of the tourism sector and shared information on future projects to further transform the industry.
Following that, the Hon. Member for Collet gave his input on the budget stressing the critical areas that can be addressed, especially the increase of prices due to inflation. The Hon. Member went on to speak on the need to properly compare statistics with the realities of Belizeans, specifically where unemployment is concerned.
Hereafter, the Hon. Minister of Public Service, Constitutional and Political Reform, and Religious Affairs and Member for Fort George in his budget speech gave thanks to all public servants, provided statistics on the enrollment and certification of the induction course, and touched on matters concerning the ongoing Constitutional Reform.
After this, the Hon. Minister of State in the Ministry of Human Development, Families and Indigenous People’s Affairs and Member for Corozal Bay included the achievements of her constituency and some of the future projects for Corozal in her speech. Some of the accomplishments mentioned for Corozal Bay include the decrease in poverty with the increase in minimum wage and the expansion of NHI.
Subsequently, the Hon. Minister of State in the Ministry of Education, Culture, Science and Technology and Member for Dangriga gave an extensive speech regarding the positive changes being made in the school system to advance emotional intelligence, the importance of acknowledging the correlation between education and development of the country and the overall efforts being made to create a brighter future for all Belizeans.
Next, the Hon. Minister of State in the Ministry of Rural Transformation, Community Development, Labour and Local Government and Member for Corozal South West informed in his budget speech plans to uplift the standard of living for his constituents, build a new school for San Narciso, and to pave roads used by farmers.
Just before the wrap up, the Hon, Minister of State in the Ministry of Sustainable Development, Climate Change and Disaster Risk Management and Member for Orange Walk North announced in his speech that Belize is a signatory for the recycle organics program and the upcoming installation of facilities for composting in his contribution to the budget speeches.
Lastly, after three days’ worth of contributions and speeches on the General Revenue Appropriation (2024/2025) Bill, 2024, the Honourable Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment, Blue Economy, Civil Aviation, and Immigration closed the debates by making final comments.
The Committee of Supply met on the General Revenue Appropriation (2024/2025) Bill, 2024 and the Official Charities Fund Motion, 2024 and passed both items.
Before the adjournment of this Special Sitting of the House of Representatives the Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade, Education, Culture, Science and Technology moved the following THREE (3) Bills for second reading:
- Criminal Records (Rehabilitation of Offenders) Bill, 2024;
- Alternative Sentencing Bill, 2024; and
- Criminal Procedure (Plea Discussion and Plea Agreement) Bill, 2024
All THREE (3) Bills were passed resulting in the Special Sitting of the House of Representatives being adjourned at 6:53 P.M.
For further information on the Orders of the Day, please see the link below:
For access to the broadcast of the Sitting, kindly see the link below:
https://www.youtube.com/live/ORMi8HbzmWg?si=RPoMv2htz0nMraZO