Today, Friday, May 13, 2022, the House of Representatives convened in the Chambers of the National Assembly for a Special Sitting. Today marks a day of history in the making as The Honourable Dolores Balderamos-Garcia, Minister of Human Development, Families and Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, presented the Motion to seek to move the Belize Advisory Council to advise Her Excellency the Governor-General to exercise the Prerogative of Mercy, 2022, and gave a very passionate introduction. It was a moment of happiness as it brought tears to the eyes of many especially the Parham family. It was heart-warming to see both sides of the Government of Belize joined together in a collective and collaborative effort in support to the family of  the Late Nora Parham who was persecuted unjustly.

There were also a number of items on the Agenda at the Sitting of the House of Representatives.  Those are:

Papers

No. HR107/1/13 – Lotteries Control (Amendment) Regulations, 2022.

No. HR108/1/13 – Civil Works Contract Agreements for the Caracol Road Upgrading Project – Lots 2A, 2B and 2C.

Both Papers were ordered to lie on the Table.

Introduction of Bills

1. Belize Companies Bill, 2022.

Bill for an Act to repeal, replace and consolidate the International Business Companies Act, Chapter 270 of the Substantive Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2020, and the Companies Act, Chapter 250 of the Substantive Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2020; to further establish and facilitate a modernized framework for the registration, operation and regulation of companies; and to provide for matters connected therewith and incidental thereto.

(The Honourable Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment)

2. Senior Courts Bill, 2022.

Bill for an Act to repeal and replace the Supreme Court of Judicature Act, Chapter 91 of the Substantive Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2020, and the Court of Appeal Act, Chapter 90 of the Substantive Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2020; to provide for new positions within the judiciary to assist in the functioning and administration of the Senior Courts; and to provide for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.

(The Honourable Minister of Education, Culture, Science and Technology)

3. Trade Licensing Bill, 2022.

Bill for an Act to make provision for trade licensing; to repeal the Trade Licensing Act, Chapter 66 of the Substantive Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2020; and to provide for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.

(The Honourable Minister of Rural Transformation, Community Development, Labour and Local Government)

The above mentioned

 MOTIONS 

1. International Bank for Reconstruction and Development – Belize COVID-19 Response Project – (US$6.2 Million) Loan Motion, 2022.

2. International Bank for Reconstruction and Development – Climate Resilient and Sustainable Agriculture Project – (US$25 Million) Loan Motion, 2022.

3. Motion to support Taiwan’s participation in international organizations, 2022.

(The Honourable Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment)

4. Motion to seek to move the Belize Advisory Council to advise Her Excellency the Governor-General to exercise the Prerogative of Mercy, 2022.

(The Honourable Minister of Human Development, Families and Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs)

From the above mentioned Motions, only numbers 2, 3 and 4 were adopted. The International Bank for Reconstruction and Development – Belize COVID-19 Response Project – (US$6.2 Million) Loan Motion, 2022, was only introduced.

Several Members spoke on the adjournment.