Today, March 27, 2017, the Senate assembled in the Chamber of the National Assembly Building , Belmopan, for a Special Sitting that was called to order at 10:00 A.M. At today’s meeting, all 13 Senators were present. Each Senator had the opportunity of sharing their views and opinions on the General Revenue Appropriation (2017/2018) Bill, 2017.
After the Senators had debated the General Revenue Appropriation (2017/2018) Bill, 2017; a division was called by Senator Eamon Courtenay and the result was that 7 Senators voted in favour and 6 Senators voted against. A division was also called on the Protected Areas Conservation Trust (Amendment) Bill, 2017, by Senator Osmany Salas resulting in 6 Senators from the Government side being in favour and the other 7 voted against it. Therefore the Protected Areas Conservation Trust (Amendment) Bill, 2017, was not approved by the Senate.
At the end, 5 Motions and 11 Bills were passed. They are:
MOTIONS
- Sale of Government Shares in Belize Electricity Limited Motion, 2017;
- Government of Belize – Amendment to Terms and Conditions of the GOB U.S. Dollar Bonds due 2038 Motion, 2017;
- Fiscal Policy, Budget Proposals and Fiscal Strategy Statement and Reports Motion, 2017;
- Official Charities Fund Motion, 2017; and
- Establishment of the National Assembly Staff Committee Motion, 2017.
BILLS
- General Revenue Appropriation (2017/2018) Bill, 2017;
- Central Bank of Belize (Amendment) Bill, 2017;
- Customs and Excise Duties (Amendment) Bill, 2017.
- Stamp Duties (Amendment) Bill, 2017.
- General Sales Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2017.
- Environmental Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2017.
- Statutory Bodies (Development Contribution) Bill, 2017.
- Criminal Code (Amendment) Bill, 2017;
- Evidence (Amendment) Bill, 2017;
- Indictable procedure (Amendment) Bill, 2017; and
- Parole Bill, 2017.
The Special Sitting was adjourned at 9:25P.M.
