Source document: https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/1697645595433.pdf (Belize)
BELIZE No.
24/1/13 SENATE Wednesday, 3rd October 2018 9:34 A.M. Pursuant to the direction of Mr. President, in writing, dated 28th September 2018, the Senate met in the National Assembly Chamber in Belmopan on Wednesday, 3rd October 2018, at 9:34 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, Immigration Services and Refugees Senator, the Honourable Dr. Carla Barnett – Vice-President and Minister of State in the Ministry Finance, Labour, Local Government, Rural Development, Energy, Public Utilities, Public Service, and Elections and Boundaries Senator, the Honourable Michael Peyrefitte – Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Senator, the Honourable Macario Coy Sr.
Senator, the Honourable Stephen Duncan Senator, the Honourable Orson Elrington – Temporary Senator Senator, the Honourable Eamon Courtenay Senator, the Honourable Valerie Woods Senator, the Honourable Anthony Mahler – Temporary Senator Senator, the Honourable Markhelm Lizarraga Senator, the Honourable Elena Smith Senator, the Honourable Rev.
Ashley Rocke Senator, the Honourable Osmany Salas Members Absent: Senator, the Honourable Aldo Salazar Senator, the Honourable Paul Thompson MR. PRESIDENT in the Chair.

PRAYERS by Senator Rev.

Ashley Rocke.

OATH OF ALLEGIANCE OF NEW SENATORS 2 The Clerk administered the Oath, in accordance with section 65 of the Belize Constitution, to the new Senators, the Honourable Orson Elrington, and the Honourable Anthony Mahler.
ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE PRESIDENT Mr. President made the following announcement:- “Honourable Members, by letter dated 28th September 2018, Cabinet’s recommendation has been signified to the following: 1.

General Revenue Supplementary Appropriation (2018/2019) Bill, 2018; 2. International Fund for Agricultural Development US$8,000,000 – Resilient Rural Belize (Be-Resilient) Project Loan Motion, 2018; 3.
Conditional Settlement Agreement between NEWCO Limited and the Government of Belize Ratification Motion, 2018; and 4.
Caribbean Development Bank Third Water (South Ambergris Caye Water and Sewerage Expansion) Project – Belize Water Services Limited Loan Guarantee Motion, 2018.” 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.

5.

6.

7.


General Revenue Supplementary Appropriation (2018/2019) Bill, 2018; General Registry (Amendment) Bill, 2018; Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Bill, 2018; Companies (Amendment) Bill, 2018; Business Names (Amendment) Bill, 2018; Patents (Amendment) Bill, 2018; and Crime Control and Criminal Justice (Amendment) (No.2) Bill, 2018.
The Leader of Government Business and Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries, the Environment, Sustainable Development and Immigration moved that Bills No.

2 to No.

6 be read all together.

Question put and agreed to.

!

3 The Leader of Government Business and Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries, the Environment, Sustainable Development and Immigration also moved that the Bills be taken through all their stages forthwith.

Question put and agreed to.
PAPERS The Leader of Government Business and Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries, the Environment, Sustainable Development and Immigration:- 42/1/13 - Supplementary Appropriation Schedule for Fiscal Year 2018/2019; 43/1/13 - Coastal Zone Management Authority and Institute Audited Financial Statements for the Year Ended March 31, 2017; 44/1/13 - Development Finance Corporation 2017 Annual Report; 45/1/13 - The Fourteenth Annual Report of the Contractor General – April 01, 2012 to March 31, 2013; 46/1/13 - The Fifteenth Annual Report of the Contractor General – April 01, 2013 to March 31, 2014; 47/1/13 - The Sixteenth Annual Report of the Contractor General – April 01, 2014 to March 31, 2015; 48/1/13 - The Seventeenth Annual Report of the Contractor General – April 01, 2015 to March 31, 2016; 49/1/13 - The Eighteenth Annual Report of the Contractor General – April 01, 2016 to March 31, 2017; 50/1/13 - The Seventeenth Annual Report of the Ombudsman of Belize for the Year Ending 2017; 51/1/13 - Management Services Contract for the Belize Central Prison Between the Government of Belize and the Kolbe Foundation Limited 1st July, 2018 – 31st June, 2023; 52/1/13 - Harbours and Merchant Shipping (Certificate of Competency) Regulations, 2018; and 53/1/13 - Social Security Board Annual Reports 2017 – Actuarial Review of the Social Security Scheme – 31 December 2017; and Audited Financial Statements for Years Ended - December 2017 and 2016.
Papers ordered to lie on the Table.

!

4 MOTION 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 Ratification by Belize of the Framework Agreement on Friendship and Technical Cooperation between the Government of the Republic of Peru and the Government of Belize Motion, 2018.
The Leader of Government Business and Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries, the Environment, Sustainable Development and Immigration moved:- WHEREAS, the Framework Agreement on Friendship and Technical Cooperation Between the Government of the Republic of Peru and the Government Belize (hereafter called the “Contracting Parties”) was signed on 27 April 2018; AND WHEREAS, the objective of the Framework Agreement is to strengthen the traditional ties of friendship, cooperation and respect existing between both countries; AND WHEREAS, the Government of Belize is desirous of ratifying to the agreement pursuant to Article XI of the Agreement; AND WHEREAS, section 61(A)(2)(b) of the Belize Constitution, as amended by the Belize Constitution (Sixth Amendment) Act (No.
13 of 2008), provides that the Senate shall authorize the acceptance of any treaty by the Government of Belize; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Senate authorizes the Government of Belize to accept the Framework Agreement on Friendship and Technical Cooperation Between the Government of the Republic of Peru and the Government of Belize, a full text of which is hereto annexed.

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

!

5 2.
!

5 2.

Resolution Authorizing the Accession by Belize of the Geneva (1999) Act of The Hague Agreement Concerning the International Registration of Industrial Designs Motion, 2018.
The Leader of Government Business and Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries, the Environment, Sustainable Development and Immigration moved:- WHEREAS, the Geneva (1999) Act of The Hague Agreement concerning the International Registration of Industrial Designs (hereafter “the Geneva (1999) Act”) was adopted on 2 July 1999; AND WHEREAS, the objective of the Geneva (1999) Act is to modernize the Hague System that allows users to seek protection for their designs in various contracting parties signed to this treaty by means of a single application filed in the World Intellectual Property Organization; AND WHEREAS, the Government of Belize is desirous of acceding to the Geneva (1999) Act which is an upgrade to the application of the treaty pursuant to section 26 of the Industrial Design Act, Chapter 254, Revised Edition 2011; AND WHEREAS, section 61(A)(2)(b) 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 of any treaty by the Government of Belize; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Senate authorizes the Government of Belize to accede to the Geneva (1999) Act, 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.

Resolution Authorizing the Accession by Belize of the International Convention for the Protection of Performers, Producers of Phonograms and Broadcasting Organizations Motion, 2018.
The Leader of Government Business and Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries, the Environment, Sustainable Development and Immigration moved:- WHEREAS, the International Convention for the Protection of Performers, Producers of Phonograms and Broadcasting Organizations (hereafter “the Rome Convention”) was adopted on 26 October 1961; AND WHEREAS, the objective of the Rome Convention is to secure the protection in performances for performers, in phonograms for producers of phonograms and in broadcasts for broadcasting organizations; AND WHEREAS, the Government of Belize is desirous of acceding to the Rome Convention; AND WHEREAS, section 61(A)(2)(b) of the Belize Constitution, as amended by the Belize Constitution (Sixth Amendment) Act (No.
13 of !

6 2008), provides that the Senate shall authorize the accession of any treaty by the Government of Belize; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Senate authorizes the Government of Belize to accede to the Rome Convention, a full text of which is hereto annexed.

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

4.

Resolution Authorizing the Accession by Belize of the WIPO Copyright Treaty Motion, 2018.
The Leader of Government Business and Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries, the Environment, Sustainable Development and Immigration moved:- WHEREAS, the WIPO Copyright Treaty (hereafter “the WCT”) was adopted on 20 December 1996; AND WHEREAS, the objective of the WCT is to develop and maintain the protection of the rights of authors in their literary and artistic works within the digital environment; AND WHEREAS, the Government of Belize is desirous of acceding to the WCT which is a special agreement within the meaning of Article 20 of the Berne Convention for the Protection of Literary and Artistic Works; AND WHEREAS, section 61(A)(2)(b) 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 of any treaty by the Government of Belize; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Senate authorizes the Government of Belize to accede to the WCT, a full text of which is hereto annexed.

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

5.

Resolution Authorizing the Accession by Belize of the WIPO Performances and Phonograms Treaty Motion, 2018.
The Leader of Government Business and Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries, the Environment, Sustainable Development and Immigration moved:- WHEREAS, the WIPO Performances and Phonograms Treaty (hereafter “the WPPT”) was adopted on 20 December 1996; AND WHEREAS, the objective of the WPPT is to develop and maintain the protection of the rights of performers and producers of phonograms within the digital environment; AND WHEREAS, the Government of Belize is desirous of acceding to the WPPT which aligns with the criteria for eligibility for protection provided under the Rome Convention as it concerns these beneficiaries; !
7 AND WHEREAS, section 61(A)(2)(b) 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 of any treaty by the Government of Belize; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Senate authorizes the Government of Belize to accede to the WPPT, a full text of which is hereto annexed.

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

6.
6.

Resolution Authorizing the Accession by Belize of the Marrakesh Treaty to Facilitate Access to the Published Works For Persons Who Are Blind, Visually Disabled, or Otherwise Print Disabled Motion, 2018.
The Leader of Government Business and Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries, the Environment, Sustainable Development and Immigration moved:- WHEREAS, the Marrakesh Treaty to Facilitate Access to the Published Works for persons who are blind, visually disabled or otherwise print disabled (hereafter “the Marrakesh Treaty”) was adopted on 27 June 2013; AND WHEREAS, the objective of the Marrakesh Treaty is to introduce a standard set of limitations and exception to the Copyright Act in order to permit reproduction, distribution and making available of published works in formats designed to be accessible to the blind, visually disabled or otherwise print disabled and to permit exchange of these works across borders by organizations that serve those beneficiaries; AND WHEREAS, the Government of Belize is desirous of acceding to the Marrakesh Treaty; AND WHEREAS, section 61(A)(2)(b) 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 of any treaty by the Government of Belize; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Senate authorizes the Government of Belize to accede to the Marrakesh Treaty, a full text of which is hereto annexed.

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

7.

Resolution Authorizing the Accession by Belize of the Beijing Treaty on Audiovisual Performances Motion, 2018.
The Leader of Government Business and Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries, the Environment, Sustainable Development and Immigration moved:- WHEREAS, the Beijing Treaty on Audiovisual Performances (hereafter “the BTAP”) was adopted on 24 June 2012; !
8 AND WHEREAS, the objective of the BTAP is to develop and maintain the protection of the intellectual property rights of performers in audiovisual performances; AND WHEREAS, the Government of Belize is desirous of acceding to the BTAP which extends the protection to performers in respect of their performances fixed in audiovisual fixations not provided within the WIPO Performances and Phonograms Treaty; AND WHEREAS, section 61(A)(2)(b) 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 of any treaty by the Government of Belize; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Senate authorizes the Government of Belize to accede to the BTAP, a full text of which is hereto annexed.

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

8. International Fund for Agricultural Development US$8,000,000 – Resilient Rural Belize (Be-Resilient) Project Loan Motion, 2018.
The Leader of Government Business and Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries, the Environment, Sustainable Development and Immigration moved:- WHEREAS, Belize, being a member of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), is eligible for development assistance in the form of loans, grants, and technical assistance from IFAD on such terms and conditions as may be agreed between Belize and the International Fund for Agricultural Development from time to time; AND WHEREAS, the Government of Belize has approached the International Fund for Agricultural Development for financial assistance in the execution of a Resilient Rural Belize Project; AND WHEREAS, such project consists of Climate Resilient Value Chains Development (CRVC); this component shall introduce/strengthen smallholder participation in select value chains through the promotion of climate resilient production methods, product diversification, and related innovations; value chain development will be participatory, with the objectives of: (i) supporting high quality smallholders’ production for commercialization; and (ii) enhancing sustainable smallholder farmer access to markets; additionally, this component shall support self- consumption and healthy food choices through support for backyard gardens; The project also consists of Climate Resilient Rural Infrastructure and Assets Development which will support climate resilient productivity and improved market access through rehabilitation and provision of new road, drainage, and irrigation infrastructure in priority areas; the overarching goal of this component is to support climate resilience infrastructure, enhancing smallholder farming business/rural enterprise opportunities, while serving the largest number possible of direct and indirect Programme beneficiaries; !
9 AND WHEREAS, the International Fund for Agricultural Development has offered financing of up to US$8,000,000 for the said purpose under the following terms and conditions: Lender: International Fund for Agricultural Development; Loan Principal Amount: US$8,000,000.00 Single Currency Facility Loan; Disbursement Schedule: Loan Term: Grace Period: Repayment Period: Purpose: Rate of Interest: Over a period of six (6) years from the date of signature of the Loan Contract; Eighteen (18) years inclusive of thirty-six (36) months Grace Period on Principal Repayments; Thirty-six (36) months beginning from the date of signature of the Loan Contract; To be repaid in 30 approximately equal, semi-annual and consecutive i n s t a l l m e n t s s o m e US$266,666.66, commencing thirty- six (36) months after signature of Loan Contract; o f To minimize the impacts of climatic and economic events on smallholder farmers while supporting sustainable market access for their produce; A rate equal to the IFAD Reference Interest Rate which is reviewed semi-annually and the new rate takes effect January 1 and July 1 of each year; AND WHEREAS, under the provisions of section 7 (2) of the Finance and Audit (Reform) Act, 2005, the Government of Belize is required to obtain the prior authorisation of the National Assembly, by way of a Resolution, for such a borrowing; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that this Honourable House, being satisfied that the Loan proceeds would significantly assist the Government of Belize to minimize the impacts of climatic and economic events on smallholder farmers while supporting sustainable market access for their produce, approves and confirms that the Government may borrow from the International Fund for Agricultural Development the sum of US$8,000,000 on the terms and conditions set out above, and further authorises the Minister of Finance to execute and deliver the Loan Agreement and all other documents associated therewith.
After the debate thereon, question was put and agreed to.

!

10 9.

Conditional Settlement Agreement between NEWCO Limited and the Government of Belize Ratification Motion, 2018.

The Leader of Government Business and Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries, the Environment, Sustainable Development and Immigration moved:- WHEREAS, NEWCO, Belize and the Belize Airports Authority (BAA) entered into a concession agreement dated November 27, 2002, to develop and operate the Philip S.W.
Goldson International Airport in Belize City, Belize (the “Concession Agreement”); AND WHEREAS, Belize terminated the Concession Agreement on October 27, 2003; AND WHEREAS, NEWCO commenced an UNCITRAL arbitration against Belize in 2005, pursuant to the terms of the Concession Agreement; AND WHEREAS, the arbitration tribunal issued an arbitration award in favor of NEWCO, and against Belize, on June 23, 2008, in the face amount of US$4,259,832.81, plus interest at 8%, compounded quarterly (the “Award”); AND WHEREAS, the arbitration tribunal issued an arbitration award in favor of the BAA, and against NEWCO, on June 23, 2008, in the face amount of US$9,998.00, plus interest at 8%, compounded quarterly (the “BAA Award”); AND WHEREAS, the United States District Court for the District of Columbia has issued a final judgment recognizing and confirming the Award in the United States (the “U.S.
Confirmation Judgment”), and the U.S.

Confirmation Judgment has been affirmed on appeal by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit; AND WHEREAS, in October 2008, Belize commenced proceedings against NEWCO in Belize to collect allegedly unpaid taxes in the amount of Belizean Dollar 5,477,805.00 (the “Belizean Tax Case”); AND WHEREAS, in December 2008, Belize commenced proceedings in the Supreme Court of Belize to enjoin NEWCO from pursuing the U.S.
Confirmation Judgment and certain other relief related to the Award (the “Belizean Injunction Proceedings”); AND WHEREAS, Belize and NEWCO seek to settle their differences arising out of the Concession Agreement, including the Award, the BAA Award, the U.S.

Confirmation Judgment, the Belizean Tax Case and the !
11 Belizean Injunction Proceedings; AND WHEREAS, NEWCO and Belize entered into a Conditional Settlement Agreement on 31 August 2018, under certain terms and conditions; AND WHEREAS, the key terms and conditions of the Conditional Settlement Agreement are as follows: Settlement Amount: Six Million United States Dollars (US$6.0 million); Payment: In two equal installments of Three Million United States Dollars (US$3.0 million) each; Payment Dates: First Installment Due on 30 October 2018, and Second Installment Due on 30 September 2019; Releases: Upon receipt by NEWCO of the two installments in full, each of the Parties agrees to release the other Party from any and all claims, liabilities, obligations, losses, actions or causes of action of any kind or nature whatsoever arising out of or r e l a t i n g t h e C o n c e s s i o n Agreement; t o Stay and Dismissal of Pend Proceedings: A.
During the pendency of this Conditional Settlement Agreement: (i) (ii) NEWCO agrees to stay enforcement related activities of any kind against Belize relating to the Award or the U.S.

Confirmation Judgment; and Belize agrees to stay the Belizean Tax Case and the Belizean Injunction Proceedings; B.

Within 30 days following receipt t h e S e c o n d b y N E W C O o f Installment: !
12 NEWCO and Belize shall take appropriate steps to dismiss with prejudice all legal proceedings commenced by them against the other; AND WHEREAS, this Conditional Settlement Agreement shall only have full force and effect upon the ratification by the House of Representatives and the Senate; AND WHEREAS, the Government of Belize is desirous of settling its differences with NEWCO; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that this Honourable House, being satisfied that it is in the public interest to settle outstanding differences with NEWCO, and being further satisfied that the proposed terms and conditions are appropriate and acceptable in the circumstances, hereby authorizes the Minister of Finance or his designate to execute the Conditional Settlement Agreement between the Government of Belize and NEWCO Limited and approves the terms and conditions contained therein.
After the debate thereon, question was put and agreed to.

10.

Caribbean Development Bank Third Water (South Ambergris Caye Water and Sewerage Expansion) Project – Belize Water Services Limited Loan Guarantee Motion, 2018.
The Leader of Government Business and Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries, the Environment, Sustainable Development and Immigration moved:- WHEREAS, section 12(1) of the Loans (Caribbean Development Bank) Act, Chapter 74 of the Substantive Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2011, provides, inter alia, that the Government may in such manner, and on such terms and subject to such conditions, as may be agreed by it and the Caribbean Development Bank (the “Bank”), guarantee the discharge by a company of the company’s obligations under any agreement for borrowing from the Bank; AND WHEREAS, subsection (5) of the said section 12 provides that no guarantee above the sum of BZ$5.0 million shall be given by the Government without the approval of the National Assembly; AND WHEREAS, section 7(6) of the Finance and Audit (Reform) Act (No.
12 of 2005) provides that, before the Government offers any guarantee or some other form of security in support of any loan made directly to a private sector entity or statutory body by any public or private bank, financial institution or capital market in or outside Belize, the Government shall seek the approval of the National Assembly; AND WHEREAS, the Bank has offered a Loan of US$8,517,000.00 to Belize Water Services Limited (“BWSL”), on the condition, among others, that the Loan shall be guaranteed by the Government of Belize; AND WHEREAS, the main purpose of the Loan is to purchase the shares of Consolidated Water Belize Limited; expand the existing water treatment plant; retrofit the San Pedro water and sewage system; supply and install water distribution pipelines; water transmission mains; sewage collection !
13 pipelines; water service connections; and sewer connections; and supply and installation of 41kW photovoltaic generation system; AND WHEREAS, the terms and conditions of the Loan are as follows: (a) (b) (c) US$8,517,000.00 from the Bank’s Ordinary Capital Resources (OCR) – to be repaid in forty (40) equal or approximately equal and consecutive quarterly installments on each Due Date, commencing on the first Due Date, two (2) years after the Loan Agreement date; Interest at the rate of 4.5% per annum to be paid quarterly on the outstanding portion of the loan; Commitment Fee at a rate of 1% per annum to be paid quarterly on the amount of the Loan withdrawn from time to time; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that this Honourable House, being satisfied that the Loan would contribute to the social and economic development of Belize by improving the capacity of BWSL to supply water and sewerage to South Ambergris Caye, approves and confirms that the Government may enter into a Guarantee Agreement with the Bank on the terms and conditions set out above, and further authorizes the Minister of Finance to execute and deliver the said Guarantee Agreement and all other documents associated therewith.
After the debate thereon, question was put and agreed to.

II BILLS FOR SECOND READING 1.

General Revenue Supplementary Appropriation (2018/2019) Bill, 2018.
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 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 nineteen.

After the debate thereon, question was 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.

General Registry (Amendment) Bill, 2018.

3.

Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Bill, 2018.

4.

Companies (Amendment) Bill, 2018. !

14 5. Business Names (Amendment) Bill, 2018.

6.
6.

Patents (Amendment) Bill, 2018 Leader of Government Business and Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries, the Environment, Sustainable Development and Immigration moved that the Bills be read a second time: Bill for an Act to amend the General Registry Act, Chapter 327 of the Substantive Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2011, to alleviate the administrative burden of the Registrar General; and to provide for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.
---------- Bill for an Act to amend the Registration of Births and Deaths Act, Chapter 157 of the Substantive Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2011, to make better provisions for the administration of the office of registration of births and deaths; and to provide for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.
---------- Bill for an Act to amend the Companies Act, Chapter 250 of the Substantive Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2011, to clarify the definition of the term Registrar of Companies; and to provide for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.
---------- Bill for an Act to amend the Business Names Act, Chapter 247 of the Substantive Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2011, to clarify the definition of the term Registrar of Business Names; and to provide for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.
---------- Bill for an Act to amend the Patents Act, Chapter 253 of the Substantive Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2011, to clarify the definition of the term Registrar of Intellectual Property; and to provide for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.

After the debate thereon, question was put and agreed to.

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

!

15 Question put and agreed to.

7.

Crime Control and Criminal Justice (Amendment) (No.2) Bill, 2018.
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 Crime Control and Criminal Justice Act, Chapter 102 of the Substantive Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2011, as amended by Act No.
6 of 2018, to ensure the continued application of section 16(2) (k) of the Act in relation to the bail restrictions for gang membership and other offences, so as to, among other things, ensure consistency with the amendments introduced by the Crime Control and Criminal Justice (Amendment) Act, 2018; and to provide for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.

Question was put and agreed to.


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 Ratification by Belize of the Framework Agreement on Friendship and Technical Cooperation between the Government of the Republic of Peru and the Government of Belize Motion, 2018.

Motion in its entirety agreed to.

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

2.

Resolution Authorizing the Accession by Belize of the Geneva (1999) Act of The Hague Agreement Concerning the International Registration of Industrial Designs Motion, 2018.
Motion in its entirety agreed to.

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

!

16 3.

Resolution Authorizing the Accession by Belize of the International Convention for the Protection of Performers, Producers of Phonograms and Broadcasting Organizations Motion, 2018.

Motion in its entirety agreed to.

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

4.

Resolution Authorizing the Accession by Belize of the WIPO Copyright Treaty Motion, 2018.
Motion in its entirety agreed to.

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

5.

Resolution Authorizing the Accession by Belize of the WIPO Performances and Phonograms Treaty Motion, 2018.

Motion in its entirety agreed to.

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

6.
6.

Resolution Authorizing the Accession by Belize of the Marrakesh Treaty to Facilitate Access to the Published Works For Persons Who Are Blind, Visually Disabled, or Otherwise Print Disabled Motion, 2018.

Motion in its entirety agreed to.

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

7.

Resolution Authorizing the Accession by Belize of the Beijing Treaty on Audiovisual Performances Motion, 2018.

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 (2018/2019) Bill, 2018.

Clauses 1 and 2 agreed to.

Schedule agreed to.

Bill to be reported back to the Senate without amendment.

2.

General Registry (Amendment) Bill, 2018. !

17 Clauses 1 to 5 agreed to.

Bill to be reported back to the Senate without amendment.

3.
3.

Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Bill, 2018.

Clauses 1 to 7 agreed to.

Schedule agreed to.

Bill to be reported back to the Senate without amendment.

4.

Companies (Amendment) Bill, 2018.

Clauses 1 to 4 agreed to.

Bill to be reported back to the Senate without amendment.

5. Business Names (Amendment) Bill, 2018.

Clauses 1 and 2 agreed to.

Bill to be reported back to the Senate without amendment.

6.

Patents (Amendment) Bill, 2018.

Clauses 1 and 2 agreed to.


Bill to be reported back to the Senate without amendment.

7.

Crime Control and Criminal Justice (Amendment) (No.2) Bill, 2018.

Clauses 1 and 2 agreed to.

Bill to be reported back to the Senate without amendment.

PUBLIC BUSINESS A.

GOVERNMENT BUSINESS !

18 IV MOTIONS (Adoption of Motions) 1.


Resolution Authorizing the Ratification by Belize of the Framework Agreement on Friendship and Technical Cooperation between the Government of the Republic of Peru and the Government of Belize Motion, 2018.
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 Accession by Belize of the Geneva (1999) Act of The Hague Agreement Concerning the International Registration of Industrial Designs Motion, 2018.
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 the Accession by Belize of the International Convention for the Protection of Performers, Producers of Phonograms and Broadcasting Organizations Motion, 2018.
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.

4.

Resolution Authorizing the Accession by Belize of the WIPO Copyright Treaty Motion, 2018.
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.

5.

Resolution Authorizing the Accession by Belize of the WIPO Performances and Phonograms Treaty Motion, 2018. !
19 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.

6.


Resolution Authorizing the Accession by Belize of the Marrakesh Treaty to Facilitate Access to the Published Works For Persons Who Are Blind, Visually Disabled, or Otherwise Print Disabled Motion, 2018.
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.

7.

Resolution Authorizing the Accession by Belize of the Beijing Treaty on Audiovisual Performances Motion, 2018.
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.

V REPORTING AND THIRD READING OF BILLS 1.

General Revenue Supplementary Appropriation (2018/2019) Bill, 2018.
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.

3.

4.

5.

General Registry (Amendment) Bill, 2018.


Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Bill, 2018.

Companies (Amendment) Bill, 2018. Business Names (Amendment) Bill, 2018. !

20 6.

Patents (Amendment) Bill, 2018.


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 Bills, clauses by clauses, and has agreed upon them without amendment.

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

Question was put and agreed to.

Bills were read a third time.

7.


Crime Control and Criminal Justice (Amendment) (No.2) Bill, 2018.

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 Dr. Carla Barnett, question was put and agreed to.

The Senate adjourned at 12:32 P.M. to a date to be fixed by the President.

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