Special Sitting of the Senate Wednesday, 16th August 2023

Today, Wednesday, 16^th August 2023, Honourable Senators gathered in the National Assembly Chamber in Belmopan City for a Special Sitting of the Senate. As usual, the meeting began at 9:02 A.M. with the Belizean National Prayer offered by the Honourable, Senator Janelle Chanona.

After prayers, Senator Linsford Castillo subscribed to the Oath of Allegiance for today’s Special Sitting of the Senate as a Temporary Senator on the Honourable, Senator Christopher Coye’s behalf.

Shortly after, Madam President made the following announcements whereby she informed the appointment of the Senate Special Select Committee that took place on Monday, 10^th July 2023, held its first meeting on August 15, 2023, in accordance with Standing Order 72 (7). As a result of this announcement, the names of the Members of the Committee were listed as well as the Member elected to be the Chairperson.

Second, was a brief update to disclose the work of the four Senate Sessional Select Committees which recently are operating for the first time since their establishment in the 20^th Century.

Third, Madam President congratulated the Belize Female Volleyball National Team for taking the Silver medal at the XIX U-21 Central American Women’s Volleyball Tournament; the Belize National Male Basketball Team for historically securing the Bronze in the 2023 CODICADER Games; the Belize Men’s Volleyball team for securing the Bronze medal in the Central American Men’s Volleyball Championship; and the Belize National Powerlifting team returning with 41 medals, and an overall placement of fourth out of 12 teams in the North American Regional Powerlifting Championships.

Fourth, the Honourable President congratulated the Honourable, Senator Janelle Chanona on successfully completing the McGill University’s School of Continuing Studies Micro-Credential Program in Parliamentary Oversight in Public Financing.

Lastly, Madam President apologized on the Honourable, Senator Beverly Williams’ behalf who was not able to make it to the Special Sitting due to a family emergency.

Following the announcement of Madam President was the introduction of TWO (2) Bills by the Leader of Government Business, the Honourable, Senator Eamon Courtenay as follows:

Accounting Records (Maintenance) (Amendment) Bill, 2023; and
Customs and Excise Duties (Amendment) Bill, 2023.

During this Special Sitting of the Senate, there was ONE (1) paper which was ordered to lie on the Table:

No. 70/1/14 – George Price Highway Upgrading Project – Section VI – San Ignacio Town to San Jose Succotz.

After numerous debates, the following SIX (6) Motions were adopted by the Senate, namely:

Resolution Authorizing Accession to the Convention on Facilitation of International Maritime Traffic, 1965 (FAL Convention) Motion, 2023.

Resolution Authorizing the Accession of the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer Motion, 2023.
Resolution Authorizing the Ratification of Protocols of Amendment to Articles 50(a) and 56 of the Convention on International Civil Aviation Motion, 2023.

Saudi Fund for Development – Construction of Solar Energy Plant Project – 288,750,000 Saudi Riyals/US$77 Million – Loan Motion, 2023.
Caribbean Development Bank – Agricultural and Industrial Line of Credit for the Development Finance Corporation (DFC) – US$12.5 Million – Loan and Guarantee Motion, 2023.
Inter-American Development Bank – Water Supply and Modernization Program – US$5.0 Million – Loan and Guarantee Motion, 2023.

Both Bills introduced were passed by the Senate without amendment. They are as follows: