The Senate convened today, 20th May 2022, in the Chambers of the National Assembly for a Special Sitting. The meeting began at 9:00 A.M. with the Belizean Prayer  by Senator Janelle Chanona. Shortly after, there was the oath of allegiance taken by temporary Senator Lesbia Guerra, who was the alternate for Senator Isabel Bennett, and temporary Senator Linsford Castillo, alternate for Senator Christopher Coye. As well, there was the oath of allegiance taken by the two new Senators, Beverly Williams and Antonio Herrera, who will now be representing on behalf of the United Democratic Party.

History in the making continued today, as the Motion to seek to move the Belize Advisory Council to advise Her Excellency the Governor-General to exercise the Prerogative of Mercy, 2022, to correct the injustice committed some 59 years ago was adopted. There was an overwhelming support by all Senators, as they each stood up and made their passionate intervention on the Motion.

Today’s Special Sitting of the Senate was a rather short one as the following business were conducted:

Papers.

There were two (2) Papers that were ordered to lie on the table which were Sessional Paper Nos.:

 25/1/14    –            Lotteries Control (Amendment) Regulations, 2022.

26/1/14    –            Civil Works Contract Agreements for the Caracol Road Upgrading Project – Lots 2A, 2B and 2C.

      MOTIONS     

  1. International Bank for Reconstruction and Development – Climate Resilient and Sustainable Agriculture Project – (US$25 Million) Loan Motion, 2022.
  2. Motion to Seek to Move the Belize Advisory Council to Advise Her Excellency the Governor-General to Exercise the Prerogative of Mercy, 2022.
  3. Motion to Support Taiwan’s Participation in International Organizations, 2022.
  4. Appointment of Andrea Mcsweaney Mckoy as Chairperson of the Integrity Commission Motion, 2022.  
  5. Appointment of Katherine Meighan as a Member of The Integrity Commission Motion, 2022.
  6. Appointment of Zoe Roberson Zetina as a Member of The Integrity Commission Motion, 2022.
  7. Appointment of Ricardo Moguel as a Member of the Integrity Commission Motion, 2022.
  8. Appointment of George R. Swift as a Member of the Integrity Commission Motion, 2022. 
  9. Appointment of Payal Ghanwani as a Member of the Integrity Commission Motion, 2022.
  10. Appointment of Jaraad Ysaguirre as a Member of the Integrity Commission Motion, 2022.

The above mentioned Motions (1-10) were all adopted.

The Senate adjourned at 10:50 A.M