Today marks a significant but yet sad moment for the Government and people of Belize. The National Assembly had a Ceremonial Opening of the First Sitting of the 13th Session of the House of Representatives, as well as the First Sitting of the 14th Session of the Senate, whereby all Members were officially sworn in as Members of Parliament.
We are deeply saddened as we received the news of the passing of the Hon. David ‘Dido’ Vega, who died as a result of the vicious attack of Covid-19. A moment of silence was observed to pay respect to the Honourable Member.
The day began with the first sitting of the 14th Session of the Senate held in the Chamber of the National Assembly that began shortly after 9:00 A.M. The Clerk read the Proclamation Appointing a day for holding a Session of the National Assembly, by the Governor General of Belize, followed by the Election of President. Mrs. Carolyn Trench Sandiford was nominates as the President of the Senate. Thereafter, there was also the Election of a Vice-President and Senator Collet Montejo captured that title. Shortly after the nominations, the Clerk administered the Oath of Allegiance first to Madam President, then to the Vice-President and followed by the rest of the Senators.
After the oaths were taken, Madam President made a short remark on her nomination and pledge to work hand in hand with all Members of the Senate. Before the adjournment, the Honourable Eamon Courtenay gave a brief remark followed by Senator Michael Peyrefitte, then Senator Osmany Salas. The Meeting was then adjourned.
Shortly after 10:00 A.M. the First Sitting of the 13th Session of the House of Representatives began with the March-on of Honour Guard and the arrival of the Prime Minister. The Honour Guard presented arms followed by the National Anthem, and then March-off of Honour Guard as the Prime Minister took his seat. The Clerk read out the Proclamation of the Governor General, ordering that a Session of the National Assembly of Belize be held. Following that, there was the Election of Speaker, and the Mrs. Valerie Woods was appointed as Madam Speaker of the House of Representatives. Thereafter there was the Election of Deputy Speaker and the Honourable Marconi Leal received that title. The Clerk then administered the Oath of Allgiance first to the Speaker and Deputy Speaker then to the other Members of the House of Representatives. Immediately after the Governor General was invited to present the Government Speech followed by the Prime Minister who addressed the nation. Thereafter the meeting was adjourned followed by a photo opp of Members.
