Source document: https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/1697646122606.pdf (Belize)
BELIZE No.
10/1/13 SENATE Thursday, 15th December 2016 11:24 A.M. Pursuant to the direction of Mr. President, in writing, dated 9th December 2016, the Senate met in the National Assembly Chamber in Belmopan on Thursday, 15th December 2016, at 11:24 A.M. ***-*** Members Present: Senator, the Honourable Lee Mark Chang – President Senator, the Honourable Godwin Hulse – Leader of Government Business and Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries, the Environment, Sustainable Development and Immigration Senator, the Honourable Dr. Carla Barnett – Vice-President and Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance Senator, the Honourable Vanessa Retreage – Attorney General and Minister of Natural Resources Senator, the Honourable Macario Coy Sr.
Senator, the Honourable Stephen Duncan Senator, the Honourable Aldo Salazar Senator, the Honourable Eamon Courtenay Senator, the Honourable Valerie Woods Senator, the Honourable Paul Thompson Senator, the Honourable Rufino Lin – Temporary Senator, the Honourable Rev.

Ashley Rocke Senator, the Honourable Elena Smith Member Absent: Senator, the Honourable Markhelm Lizarraga MR. PRESIDENT in the Chair.

PRAYERS by Rev.

Ashley Rocke.
Prior to the meeting of the Senate, the Senators met in the Committee Room of the National Assembly Building as the Constitution and Foreign Affairs Committee, a committee of the whole Senate, to further discuss the Resolution Authorizing Ratification by Belize to the Special Agreement between Belize and Guatemala to Submit Guatemala’s Territorial, Insular and Maritime Claim to the International Court of Justice Motion, 2016 and the Resolution Authorizing Ratification by Belize to the Protocol to the Special Agreement between Belize and Guatemala to Submit Guatemala’s Territorial, Insular and Maritime Claim to the International Court of Justice Motion, 2016.
The temporary Senator Rufino Lin, in accordance with section 65 of the Belize Constitution, took the Oath of Allegiance.

2 ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE PRESIDENT Mr. President made the following announcement:- “Honourable Members, by letter dated 9th December 2016, Cabinet’s recommendation has been signified to the following: 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.
General Revenue Supplementary Appropriation (2016/2017) (No.2) Bill, 2016; Moneylenders (Amendment) Bill, 2016; National Payment System Bill, 2016; Domestic Banks and Financial Institutions (Amendment) Bill, 2016; Electronic Transactions (Amendment) Bill, 2016; Treasury Bills (Amendment) (No.3) Bill, 2016; Income and Business Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2016; Central Bank of Belize (Amendment) Bill, 2016; Treasury Bills (Amendment) (No.2) Bill, 2016; Caribbean Development Bank Feasibility Study and Detailed Designs Crooked Tree Road and Causeway Upgrading Loan Motion, 2016; Caribbean Development Bank Immediate Response Hurricane Earl Loan Motion, 2016; and Caribbean Development Bank Youth Resilience and Inclusive Social Empowerment (Rise) Project Loan Motion, 2016.” BILLS BROUGHT FROM THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES The Leader of Government Business and Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries, the Environment, Sustainable Development and Immigration signified his willingness to take charge of the following Bills: 1.
2.

3.

4.

General Revenue Supplementary Appropriation (2016/2017) (No.2) Bill, 2016; Moneylenders (Amendment) Bill, 2016; National Payment System Bill, 2016; Domestic Banks and Financial Institutions (Amendment) Bill, 2016; !

3 5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

Electronic Transactions (Amendment) Bill, 2016; Food and Drugs (Amendment) Bill, 2016; Belmopan City Council (Amendment) Bill, 2016; Treasury Bills (Amendment) (No.3) Bill, 2016; and Income and Business Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2016.
The Leader of Government Business and Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries, the Environment, Sustainable Development and Immigration moved that the Bills be taken through all their stages forthwith.

Question put and agreed to.

PAPER The Leader of Government Business and Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries, the Environment, Sustainable Development and Immigration:- 25/1/13 - Supplementary Appropriation (No.2) Schedule for Fiscal Year 2016/2017.

Paper was ordered to lie on the Table.


MOTIONS RELATING TO THE BUSINESS OR SITTINGS OF THE SENATE The Leader of Government Business and Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries, the Environment, Sustainable Development and Immigration moved that, at its rising, the Senate adjourn to a date to be fixed by the President.

Question put and agreed to.

PUBLIC BUSINESS A.

GOVERNMENT BUSINESS I MOTIONS 1.


Resolution Authorizing the Accession by Belize to the Co- operation Agreement for the Promotion of Nuclear Science and Technology in Latin America and the Caribbean (ARCAL) Motion, 2016.

The Leader of Government Business and Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries, the Environment, Sustainable Development and Immigration moved:- WHEREAS, the Co-Operation Agreement for the Promotion of Nuclear Science and Technology in Latin America !
4 and the Caribbean (hereafter called “the Agreement”) entered into force on 5th September 2005; AND WHEREAS, the objective of the Agreement is to commit State Parties to undertake to promote, foster, co-ordinate and implement co-operation activities for training, research, development and applications of nuclear science and technology in the Latin America and the Caribbean region through their competent national institutions; AND WHEREAS, the Government of Belize is desirous of acceding to the Agreement pursuant to Article X(3) of the Agreement; AND WHEREAS, section 61(A) (2)(a) of the Belize Constitution as amended by the Belize Constitution (Sixth Amendment) Act (No.
13 of 2008) provides that the Senate shall authorize the accession to any agreement by the Government of Belize; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Senate authorizes the Government of Belize to accede the Agreement, a full text of which is hereto annexed.

Motion was referred to the Constitution and Foreign Affairs Committee for examination, consideration and report.

2.
2.

Resolution Authorizing the Ratification by Belize to the Agreement Between the Government of the French Republic and the Government of Belize on the Mutual Exemption of Diplomatic Passport Holders from Short-Stay Visa Requirements Motion, 2016.
The Leader of Government Business and Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries, the Environment, Sustainable Development and Immigration moved:- WHEREAS, the Agreement between the Government of the French Republic and the Government of Belize on the Mutual Exemption of Diplomatic Passport Holders from Short-Stay Visa Requirements (hereafter called “the Agreement”) was signed on 19th September 2016; AND WHEREAS, the objective of the Agreement is to provide short-stay visa exemptions to Belizean nationals who hold diplomatic passports and are traveling to any French Territory, including France, for professional or private reasons, for a single stay or several stays not surpassing ninety (90) days; AND WHEREAS, the Government of Belize is desirous of ratifying the Agreement pursuant to Article 9 of the Agreement; !
5 AND WHEREAS, section 61(A) (2)(a) of the Belize Constitution as amended by the Belize Constitution (Sixth Amendment) Act (No.

13 of 2008) provides that the Senate shall authorize the ratification to any agreement by the Government of Belize; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Senate authorizes the Government of Belize to ratify the Agreement, a full text of which is hereto annexed Motion was referred to the Constitution and Foreign Affairs Committee for examination, consideration and report.

3.
3.

Caribbean Development Bank Feasibility Study and Detailed Designs Crooked Tree Road and Causeway Upgrading Loan Motion, 2016.
The Leader of Government Business and Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries, the Environment, Sustainable Development and Immigration moved:- WHEREAS, section 3(1) of the Loans (Caribbean Development Bank) Act, Chapter 74 of the Substantive Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2003 provides that subject to such conditions as may be agreed between the Government and the Caribbean Development Bank (“the Bank”), the Government may borrow from the Bank from time to time such sums as may be required by the Government; AND WHEREAS, section 3(2) of the said Act further provides that no agreement in respect of sums borrowed under the powers conferred by section 3(1) shall be executed unless the terms and conditions thereof have been first approved by a Resolution of the House of Representatives to that effect; AND WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of the Bank has recently approved a Loan to the Government of Belize in the sum of US $250,000; AND WHEREAS, the purpose of the Loan is to provide funds to the Government of Belize to assist in financing consultancy services to undertake a feasibility study and the preparation of detailed designs for the upgrading of the Crooked Tree Road and Causeway – (referred to as “the Project”); AND WHEREAS, the objective of the Project is to conduct: (a) a gender-sensitive feasibility study and prepare preliminary and detailed designs to upgrade the Crooked Tree Road and Causeway incorporating climate change considerations; and (b) prepare a preliminary gender-sensitive adaptation plan of action for the community of Crooked Tree; AND WHEREAS, the Bank has offered to lend to the Government the sum of US$250,000 (“the Loan”) in one Portion to finance the Project on the following terms and conditions: Special Funds Resources !
6 (a) US$ 250,000 from the Bank’s Special Fund Resources (SFR) – to be repaid in thirty two (32) equal or approximately equal and consecutive quarterly installments on each Due Date commencing on the first Due Date, two (2) years after the Agreement Date; (b) Interest at the rate of 2.5% per annum to be paid quarterly on the outstanding balance of the Loan; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that this Honourable House, being satisfied that the Project will significantly contribute to the Government’s efforts to undertake a feasibility study and the preparation of detailed designs for the upgrading of the Crooked Tree Road and Causeway, approves and confirms that the Government may enter into a Loan Agreement with the Caribbean Development Bank on the terms and conditions set out above, and further authorizes the Minister of Finance to execute and deliver the said Agreement and all other documents associated therewith.
Question put and agreed to.

4.

Caribbean Development Bank Immediate Response Hurricane Earl Loan Motion, 2016.
The Leader of Government Business and Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries, the Environment, Sustainable Development and Immigration moved:- WHEREAS, section 3(1) of the Loans (Caribbean Development Bank) Act, Chapter 74 of the Substantive Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2003 provides that subject to such conditions as may be agreed between the Government and the Caribbean Development Bank (“the Bank”), the Government may borrow from the Bank from time to time such sums as may be required by the Government; AND WHEREAS, section 3(2) of the said Act further provides that no Agreement in respect to the sums borrowed under the powers conferred by section 3(1) shall be executed unless the terms and conditions thereof have been first approved by a Resolution of the House of Representatives to that effect; AND WHEREAS, the Bank has offered to lend to the Government the sum of US$750,000.
(“the Loan”) from the Bank’s Special Funds Resources; AND WHEREAS, the purpose of the Loan is to provide funds, on a reimbursement basis, to the Government of Belize for the clearing and cleaning of affected areas and the emergency restoration of homes and services in affected areas of Belize following damage caused by the passage of Hurricane Earl between August 3 and 4, 2016 – (together referred to as “the Project”); !
7 AND WHEREAS, the Loan is being offered on the following terms and conditions: (a) US$750,000 from Special Funds Resources (SFR) – to be repaid in thirty-two (32) equal or approximately equal and consecutive quarterly installments on each Due Date commencing on the first Due Date, two (2) years after the Agreement Date; (b) Interest at the rate of two decimal five percent (2.5%) per annum to be paid quarterly on the amount of the Loan withdrawn and outstanding from time to time; The Loan shall be fully disbursed by March 31, 2017, or such later date as the Bank may specify in writing; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that this Honourable House, being satisfied that the Project will assist in the cleaning and clearing of affected areas and the emergency restoration of homes and services in such areas of the country in the aftermath of Hurricane Earl, approves and confirms that the Government may enter into a Loan Agreement with the Caribbean Development Bank on the terms and conditions set out above, and further authorizes the Minister of Finance to execute and deliver the said Agreement and all other documents associated therewith.
Question put and agreed to.

5.

Caribbean Development Bank Youth Resilience and Inclusive Social Empowerment (Rise) Project Loan Motion, 2016.
The Leader of Government Business and Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries, the Environment, Sustainable Development and Immigration moved:- WHEREAS, section 3(1) of the Loans (Caribbean Development Bank) Act, Chapter 74 of the Substantive Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2003, provides that subject to such conditions as may be agreed between the Government and the Caribbean Development Bank (“the Bank”), the Government may borrow from the Bank from time to time such sums as may be required by the Government; AND WHEREAS, section 3(2) of the said Act further provides that no agreement in respect of sums borrowed under the powers conferred by section 3(1) shall be executed unless the terms and conditions thereof have been first approved by a Resolution of the House of Representatives to that effect; AND WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of the Bank has recently approved a Loan to the Government of Belize in the sum of US$984,000 (“the Loan”) from the Bank’s Special Funds Resources; !
8 AND WHEREAS, the purpose of the Loan is to pilot a preventative crime reduction initiative in Dangriga and San Ignacio/Santa Elena, that will target children, youth and their families; AND WHEREAS, the primary objective of the Project is to provide at-risk children and youth with literacy and life skills that increase self esteem, confidence and a sense of control over their lives.
It will enhance access to community sports, arts and cultural activities and provide opportunities to re-channel their energies into positive learning and creative outlets that will reduce their vulnerability to crime and violence.
It will also provide at- risk youth with skills to improve their capability for employment and opportunities for income generation; AND WHEREAS, the Loan is being offered on the following terms and conditions: (a) US $984,000.00 from Special Funds Resources (SFR) – to be repaid in eighty (80) equal or approximately equal and consecutive quarterly installments commencing five (5) years after the date of the Loan Agreement; (b) Interest at the rate of 2.5% per annum to be paid quarterly on the outstanding SFR portion of the loan; The Loan shall be fully disbursed by December 31, 2019, or such later date as the Bank may specify in writing; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that this Honourable House, being satisfied that the Project will significantly contribute to the Government’s continued, dedicated efforts to reduce crime and violence and anti-social behavior among the youths in Dangriga and San Ignacio/ Santa Elena by increasing access to social services and offering positive opportunities for our youth, approves and confirms that the Government may enter into a Loan Agreement with the Caribbean Development Bank on the terms and conditions set out above, and further authorizes the Minister of Finance to execute and deliver the said Agreement and all other documents associated therewith.
After the debate thereon, question put and agreed to.

II BILLS FOR SECOND READING 1.

General Revenue Supplementary Appropriation (2016/2017) (No.2) Bill, 2016.

The Leader of Government Business and Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries, the Environment, Sustainable Development and Immigration moved that the above-mentioned Bill be read a second time: !
9 Bill for an Act to appropriate further sums of money for the use of the Public Service of Belize for the financial year ending on the thirty-first day of March, two thousand and seventeen.

(Suspension of the debate on the General Revenue Supplementary Appropriation (2016/2017) (No.2) Bill, 2016.)
In accordance with Standing Order 10 (8), the Leader of Government Business and Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries, the Environment, Sustainable Development and Immigration moved that the proceedings on the matter on the Order Paper be entered upon and proceeded with at the sitting at any hour though opposed.

Question put and agreed to.

(Resumption and continuation of the debate on the General Revenue Supplementary Appropriation (2016/2017) (No.2) Bill, 2016.)
After the debate thereon, question put and agreed to.

Bill accordingly read a second time and, pursuant to Standing Orders, was committed to a Committee of the whole Senate.

2.

Moneylenders (Amendment) Bill, 2016.
The Leader of Government Business and Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries, the Environment, Sustainable Development and Immigration moved that the above-mentioned Bill be read a second time: Bill for an Act to amend the Moneylenders Act, Chapter 260 of the Substantive Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2011; to make provision for enhanced supervisory powers, for greater transparency in relation to an applicant for a moneylenders license and ensuring that persons connected with moneylending business are fit and proper; and to provide for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.
After the debate thereon, question put and agreed to.

Bill accordingly read a second time and, pursuant to Standing Orders, was committed to a Committee of the whole Senate.

3.

National Payment System Bill, 2016.


The Leader of Government Business and Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries, the Environment, Sustainable Development and Immigration moved that the above-mentioned Bill be read a second time: Bill for an Act to provide for the establishment of a National Payment System and for its regulation and oversight; and to provide for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.

After the debate thereon, question put and agreed to.

!
!

10 Bill accordingly read a second time and, pursuant to Standing Orders, was committed to a Committee of the whole Senate.

4.

Domestic Banks and Financial Institutions (Amendment) Bill, 2016.

The Leader of Government Business and Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries, the Environment, Sustainable Development and Immigration moved that the above-mentioned Bill be read a second time: Bill for an Act to amend the Domestic Banks and Financial Institutions Act, No.
11 of 2012; to extend the role of the Domestic Banks and Financial Institutions Appeal Board; and to provide for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.

Question put and agreed to.

Bill accordingly read a second time and, pursuant to Standing Orders, was committed to a Committee of the whole Senate.

5.

Electronic Transactions (Amendment) Bill, 2016.
The Leader of Government Business and Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries, the Environment, Sustainable Development and Immigration moved that the above-mentioned Bill be read a second time: Bill for an Act to amend the Electronic Transactions Act, Chapter 229:03 of the Substantive Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2011; to extend the application of the Act to certain negotiable instruments; and to provide for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.

Question put and agreed to.


Bill accordingly read a second time and, pursuant to Standing Orders, was committed to a Committee of the whole Senate.

6.

Food and Drugs (Amendment) Bill, 2016.
The Leader of Government Business and Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries, the Environment, Sustainable Development and Immigration moved that the above-mentioned Bill be read a second time: Bill for an Act to amend the Food and Drugs Act, Chapter 291 of the Substantive Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2011, to make provision empowering the making of regulations to empower the establishment of a drug registry as well as generally to give effect to the provisions of the Act, to make further provisions regarding the labeling of food or drug products, and to provide for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.
!

11 Question put and agreed to.

Bill accordingly read a second time and, pursuant to Standing Orders, was committed to a Committee of the whole Senate.

7.

Belmopan City Council (Amendment) Bill, 2016.
The Leader of Government Business and Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries, the Environment, Sustainable Development and Immigration moved that the above-mentioned Bill be read a second time: Bill for an Act to amend the Belmopan City Council Act, Chapter 86 of the Substantive Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2011 to provide for the use of management and repayment of monies raised by the Belmopan City Council from an issue of bonds; for the related establishment of a Belmopan City Infrastructure Fund and a Belmopan City Municipal Sinking Fund; and to provide for matters connected therewith and incidental thereto.
Question put and agreed to.

Bill accordingly read a second time and, pursuant to Standing Orders, was committed to a Committee of the whole Senate.

8.

Treasury Bills (Amendment) (No.3) Bill, 2016.
The Leader of Government Business and Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries, the Environment, Sustainable Development and Immigration moved that the above-mentioned Bill be read a second time: Bill for an Act to further amend the Treasury Bills Act, Chapter 83 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2011, to raise the limit of principal sums represented by Treasury Bills and Treasury Notes outstanding at any one time; and to provide for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.
After the debate thereon, question put and agreed to.

Bill accordingly read a second time and, pursuant to Standing Orders, was committed to a Committee of the whole Senate.

9.

Income and Business Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2016.


The Leader of Government Business and Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries, the Environment, Sustainable Development and Immigration moved that the above-mentioned Bill be read a second time: Bill for an Act to amend the Income and Business Tax Act, Chapter 55 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2011, to include Excise Duty on fuel products as a receipt for Business Tax purposes; and to provide for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.
After the debate thereon, question put and agreed to.

!

12 Bill accordingly read a second time and, pursuant to Standing Orders, was committed to a Committee of the whole Senate.
III COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE SENATE ON MOTIONS AND BILLS In accordance with Standing Order 68A, the Senate, without question put, resolved itself into the Constitution and Foreign Affairs Committee, a Committee of the whole Senate, to consider the Motions referred to it and, thereafter, in accordance with Standing Order 54, into the Committee of the whole Senate to examine and consider the Bills that were read a second time.

(In the Constitution and Foreign Affairs Committee) MR. PRESIDENT in the Chair.

1.
1.

Resolution Authorizing the Accession by Belize to the Co- Operation Agreement for the Promotion of Nuclear Science and Technology in Latin America and the Caribbean (ARCAL) Motion, 2016.

Motion in its entirety agreed to.

Motion to be reported back to the Senate for adoption without amendment.

2.
2.

Resolution Authorizing the Ratification by Belize to the Agreement Between the Government of the French Republic and the Government of Belize on the Mutual Exemption of Diplomatic Passport Holders from Short-Stay Visa Requirements Motion, 2016.

Motion in its entirety agreed to.

Motion to be reported back to the Senate for adoption without amendment.

(In the Committee of the whole Senate) MR. PRESIDENT in the Chair.

1.

General Revenue Supplementary Appropriation (2016/2017) (No.2) Bill, 2016.
Clauses 1 and 2 agreed to.

Schedule agreed to.

Bill to be reported back to the Senate without amendment.

2.

Moneylenders (Amendment) Bill, 2016. !

13 Clauses 1 to 22 agreed to.

Bill to be reported back to the Senate without amendment.

3.

National Payment System Bill, 2016.

Clauses 1 to 54 agreed to.

Bill to be reported back to the Senate without amendment.

4.

Domestic Banks and Financial Institutions (Amendment) Bill, 2016.

Clauses 1 to 3 agreed to.


Bill to be reported back to the Senate without amendment.

5.

Electronic Transactions (Amendment) Bill, 2016.

Clauses 1 and 2 agreed to.

Bill to be reported back to the Senate without amendment.

6.

Food and Drugs (Amendment) Bill, 2016.

Clauses 1 to 3 agreed to.

Bill to be reported back to the Senate without amendment.

7.

Belmopan City Council (Amendment) Bill, 2016.

Clauses 1 to 4 agreed to.

Bill to be reported back to the Senate without amendment.

8.
8.

Treasury Bills (Amendment) (No.3) Bill, 2016.

Clauses 1 and 2 agreed to.

Bill to be reported back to the Senate without amendment.

9.

Income and Business Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2016.

Clauses 1 to 3 agreed to.

Bill to be reported back to the Senate without amendment.

PUBLIC BUSINESS A.

GOVERNMENT BUSINESS IV MOTIONS !

14 (Adoption of Motions) 1.


Resolution Authorizing the Accession by Belize to the Co- Operation Agreement for the Promotion of Nuclear Science and Technology in Latin America and the Caribbean (ARCAL) Motion, 2016.
The Leader of Government Business and Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries, the Environment, Sustainable Development and Immigration reported that the Constitution and Foreign Affairs Committee met and considered the above- captioned motion and has agreed for it to be adopted without amendment.

Question put and agreed to.

2.


Resolution Authorizing the Ratification by Belize to the Agreement Between the Government of the French Republic and the Government of Belize on the Mutual Exemption of Diplomatic Passport Holders from Short-Stay Visa Requirements Motion, 2016.
The Leader of Government Business and Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries, the Environment, Sustainable Development and Immigration reported that the Constitution and Foreign Affairs Committee met and considered the above- captioned motion and has agreed for it to be adopted without amendment.

Question put and agreed to.

3.


Resolution Authorizing Ratification by Belize to the Special Agreement between Belize and Guatemala to Submit Guatemala’s Territorial, Insular and Maritime Claim to the International Court of Justice Motion, 2016.
The Leader of Government Business and Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries, the Environment, Sustainable Development and Immigration reported that the Constitution and Foreign Affairs Committee met prior to the Senate meeting and considered the above-captioned motion and has agreed for it to be adopted without amendment.

Question put and agreed to.

4.


Resolution Authorizing Ratification by Belize to the Protocol to the Special Agreement between Belize and Guatemala to Submit Guatemala’s Territorial, Insular and Maritime Claim to the International Court of Justice Motion, 2016.
The Leader of Government Business and Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries, the Environment, Sustainable Development and Immigration reported that the Constitution and Foreign Affairs Committee met prior to the Senate meeting and considered the above-captioned motion and has agreed for it to be adopted without amendment.

Question was put, and a division was requested by Senator Valerie Woods.

The Senators voted as follows: Senator Godwin Hulse - AyeSenator Dr. Carla !
15 - Aye - Barnett Senator Vanessa Retreage Senator Macario Coy Sr. Stephen Duncan - Y e s S e n a t o r No - Senator Valerie Woods Senator Paul Thompson Senator Rufino Lin Senator Rev.

Ashley Rocke Senator Elena Smith Aye Yes - - YesSenator Aldo Salazar E a m o n C o u r t e n a y S e n a t o r - - - - - No No Aye Aye No Thereon, the result was that eight (8) Senators voted “Aye” and four (4) Senators voted “No”.

Question was agreed to.

V REPORTING AND THIRD READING OF BILLS 1.


General Revenue Supplementary Appropriation (2016/2017) (No.2) Bill, 2016.

The Leader of Government Business and Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries, the Environment, Sustainable Development and Immigration reported that the Committee of the whole Senate has considered the above-mentioned Bill, clause by clause, and has agreed upon it without amendment.

Whereupon the Senator moved that the Bill be read a third time.

Question put and agreed to.


Bill read a third time.

2.

Moneylenders (Amendment) Bill, 2016.

The Leader of Government Business and Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries, the Environment, Sustainable Development and Immigration reported that the Committee of the whole Senate has considered the above-mentioned Bill, clause by clause, and has agreed upon it without amendment.

Whereupon the Senator moved that the Bill be read a third time.

Question put and agreed to.

Bill read a third time.

3.


National Payment System Bill, 2016.

The Leader of Government Business and Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries, the Environment, Sustainable Development and Immigration reported that the Committee of the whole Senate has considered the above-mentioned Bill, clause by clause, and has agreed upon it without amendment.

Whereupon the Senator moved that the Bill be read a third time.

!

16 Question put and agreed to.

Bill read a third time.

4.


Domestic Banks and Financial Institutions (Amendment) Bill, 2016.

The Leader of Government Business and Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries, the Environment, Sustainable Development and Immigration reported that the Committee of the whole Senate has considered the above-mentioned Bill, clause by clause, and has agreed upon it without amendment.

Whereupon the Senator moved that the Bill be read a third time.

Question put and agreed to.

Bill read a third time.

5.


Electronic Transactions (Amendment) Bill, 2016.

The Leader of Government Business and Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries, the Environment, Sustainable Development and Immigration reported that the Committee of the whole Senate has considered the above-mentioned Bill, clause by clause, and has agreed upon it without amendment.

Whereupon the Senator moved that the Bill be read a third time.

Question put and agreed to.

Bill read a third time.

6.


Food and Drugs (Amendment) Bill, 2016.

The Leader of Government Business and Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries, the Environment, Sustainable Development and Immigration reported that the Committee of the whole Senate has considered the above-mentioned Bill, clause by clause, and has agreed upon it without amendment.

Whereupon the Senator moved that the Bill be read a third time.

Question put and agreed to.

Bill read a third time.

7.


Belmopan City Council (Amendment) Bill, 2016.

The Leader of Government Business and Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries, the Environment, Sustainable Development and Immigration reported that the Committee of the whole Senate has considered the above-mentioned Bill, clause by clause, and has agreed upon it without amendment.

Whereupon the Senator moved that the Bill be read a third time.

!

17 Question put and agreed to.

Bill read a third time.

8.


Treasury Bills (Amendment) (No.3) Bill, 2016.

The Leader of Government Business and Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries, the Environment, Sustainable Development and Immigration reported that the Committee of the whole Senate has considered the above-mentioned Bill, clause by clause, and has agreed upon it without amendment.

Whereupon the Senator moved that the Bill be read a third time.

Question put and agreed to.

Bill read a third time.

9.


Income and Business Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2016.

The Leader of Government Business and Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries, the Environment, Sustainable Development and Immigration reported that the Committee of the whole Senate has considered the above-mentioned Bill, clause by clause, and has agreed upon it without amendment.

Whereupon the Senator moved that the Bill be read a third time.

Question put and agreed to.

Bill read a third time.


ADJOURNMENT The Leader of Government Business and Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries, the Environment, Sustainable Development and Immigration moved that the Senate be adjourned.

After a short intervention by Senator Eamon Courtenay and Senator Paul Thompson, question was put and agreed to.

The Senate adjourned at 1:50 P.M. to a date to be fixed by the President.

PRESIDENT ***---***---*** !