Today, Thursday, 21st March 2024, Honourable Members gathered, once again, in the Chambers of the National Assembly Building in Belmopan for a Special Sitting of the House of Representatives, Day Two of the Annual Budget Debate. The meeting began at 10:19 A.M. with the Belizean National Prayer offered by Ms. Shalwa Leslie.
Day Two of the Budget Debates began with the Hon. Minister of Infrastructure Development and Housing and Member for Cayo South delivering his lengthy speech on statistics of first-time homeowners, highway projects, and the new schools that were built over the last year.
Moving on, the Hon. Minister of Home Affairs and New Growth Industries and Member for Caribbean Shores mentioned in his presentation plans to collaborate with investigative bodies, initiatives to acquire forensic investigation equipment, and efforts to improve access to justice.
Hereon, the Hon. Minister of Agriculture, Food Security, and Enterprise and Member for Orange Walk South gave a speech touching on prioritizing agricultural development, assisting Western Diaries farmers and producers, investing in the Pitaya industry, and supporting farmers, especially women farmers.
Following, the Hon. Minister of National Defence and Border Security and Member for Corozal South East announced in his budget speech attainable collaboration with defence forces for effective border defence in Belize, efforts for modernization of protecting the country’s borders as well as improvement of working conditions for Belize Defence Force Officers and the Belize Coast Guard Officers.
Afterwards, the Hon. Member for Cayo West rose to speak on the tourism growth, housing developments and community developments in his constituency while giving thanks to all Ministers who contributed to the results.
Next, the Hon. Minister of State in the Ministry of Public Utilities, Energy, and Logistics and Member for Port Loyola in his budget speech spoke to the sports-related accomplishments in the Port Loyola communities.
Henceforth, the Hon. Minister of Health and Wellness and Member for Orange Walk East gave a synopsis of the accomplishments of his Ministry such as the equipment for the hospitals, revised medical curriculums and improved medical training in the dental field in his speech on the budget.
Next, the Hon. Member for Belize Rural South in his budget speech shared the plans to develop San Pedro to meet with tourism demands, the improvement of water supply, and the creation of proactive solutions to address climate change challenges.
Hereafter, the Hon. Member for Cayo Central mentioned the positive impacts of providing his constituents with homes, gave thanks to the Hon. Minister for assisting his constituents with education, and disclosed plans to sub-divide lots in his communities for first-time landowners.
Last but not least, the Hon. Member for Belize Rural North gave his presentation on the improvement of the Crooked Tree causeway, the Lucky Strike road, and schools throughout his constituency, especially those impacted by Hurricane Lisa.
This summarizes the events of day two of this Special Sitting of the House of Representatives with the meeting suspended at 5:15 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/Dh89WmVKPA8?si=ECtnjDFsRITICHO-