Source document: https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/1697705049859.pdf (Belize)
BELIZE NO.

HR 18/1/4 HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Friday„ 30 October 1981 10:00 a.m. Members present: The Honourable Mr G. Price (Freetown), Prime Minister The Honourable Mr V.H.

Courtenay (Collet), Minister of State The Honourable Mr D.L.

McKoy (Stann Creek Rural), Minister of Labour, Social Services and Community Development The Honourable Mr F.H.
Hunter (Belize Rural North), Minister of Works The Honourable Mr F.J. Marin (Corozal South), Minister of Natural Resources The Honourable Mr G. Pech (Orange Walk South), Minister of Trade and Industry The Honourable Mr A. Shoman (Cayo North), Minister of Health, Housing and Co-operatives The Honourable Mr S. Musa (Fort George), Attorney General and Minister of Education and Sports The Honourable Mr E. Briceno (Orange Walk North), Minister of Local Government and Social Security The Honourable Mr S.O.
Waight (Cayo South), Parliamentary , Secretary, Ministry of Works The Honourable Mrs. J.

Usher (Pickstock), Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Health, Housing and Co-operatives The Honourable Mr V. Castillo (Corozal North), Deputy Speaker Speaker The Honourable Dr. T. Aranda (Dangriga) The Honourable Mr P.S.W.

Goldson (Albert) The Honourable Mr C. Thompson (Mesopotamia) Absent: The Speaker, the Honourable Mr C.B.

Hyde, M.B.E.
Hyde, M.B.E.

The Honourable Mr Louis S. Sylvestre (Belize Rural South) ill Out of the Country on Government Business The Honourable Mr C. Wagner (Toledo South) The Honourable Mr B. Ah (Toledo North ) The Clerk announced the unavoidable absence of Mr Speaker, who was ill. Whereupon the Deputy Speaker was asked to take the Chair.

The Deputy Speaker in the Chair.

PRAYERS read by the Deputy Speaker.

PAPERS HON.


V; H. COURTENAY ( Minister of State ): Mr Speaker, I on the Table, Sessional Papers, the first of which is beg to lay /No.

HR145/1/4..

(?!)

No.

HR145/1/4 - Passport ordinance (Amendment) Order 1981; and No.

I-IR146/1/4 - Belize Police Force - .

.nnual Report 1980.

MR SPEAKER: Those Papers are ordered to lie on the Table.

HON.

G. PL-.CH ( Minister of Trade and industry ): Mr Speaker, I rise to lay on the Table, Sessional Paper Nos.
147, 143, 149, 150, 151, 152 - Supplies (Contrcl)(Prices) (Import/Export)(Amendments).

MR SPEAKER: Those Papers arc ordered to lie on the Table.

HON.

A.SHUMAN ( Minister of Health, Housing and Co-operatives ): Mr Speaker, I rise to lay on the Table, Sessional Paper No.

HR1S3/1/4 relating to an ..greement on Cooperation in the Field of Health Between the Government of Belize and the Government of the Republic of Costa Rica.

MR SPEAKER: That Paper is ordered to lie on the Table.
STATEMENTS UY MINISTERS HON.

p. PRICE ( Prime Minister ): Hr Speaker, I wish to put on record the steps taken by the Government of Belize since assuming the status of Independence on the 21st of September to consolidate the international position of the new Nation of Belize.

These steps include admission to the United Nations, Membership in the Non-aligned Movement and confirmation of Membership in the Commonwealth.
A'ithin five days of independence, Belize successfully secured admission to the United Nations.

She did so over objections raised by Guatemala in both the Security Council and the General Assembly.
These objections became all the more significant because they were based upon arguments by Guatemala that Delize was not a state in legal sense since Guatemala argued Belize had no territory; its territory belong to Guatemala according to the statement made by the Foreign Minister of Guatemala - not by the Foreign Minister, by the Ambassador of Guatemala to the United Nations.
The Security Council rejected this contention on the part of Guatemala,and by a unanimous vote recommended the admission of Belize as a legally constituted state.

The General ,Assembly repudiated the argument of Guatemala by a vote of over 144 in favour of the admission of Belize, no abstentions, and only Guatemala voting against.

In effect, therefore, Guatemala remains the only country in the world refusing to recognise Belize with all.
her territoryOn the same day, tine Friday, the 25th of September, Belize was admitted to the Non-aligned Movement thereby expanding its special status in the Movement to full membership.

n Although the Commonwealth had earlier token a decision that Belize became a full member of the organization upon its becoming independent, Belize consolidated that position by being admitted on the 30th of September to the Commonwealth Heads of Governments Meeting in Melbourne, Australia.
The Belize Delegation was able to ensure the participation of the Commonwealth should assistance be required in finding a lasting «> /settloment.... \ -’I settlement in accordance with the Heads of ,.greonont.

This was achieved by an extension of the life- of tho Commonwealth Committee on Belize wit?

; a not.

mandate.
; a not.

mandate.

The terms of that decision is included in the Communique issued by the Meeting, from which 1 quote, with your permission, Mr Speaker ( and X quote ) : "Heads of Government reviewed developments loading to the Independence of Belize.

They expressed satisfaction wit!’, the rolo played by the British Government and welcomed its commitment to make adequate provision for the security of Belize.
They commended the Commonwealth Ministerial Committee on Belize for the effective manner in which it had discharged its mandate.
Hoting tho continuing throat to the security of Belize in the absence of a final settlement with Guatemala, Heads of Governments reaffirmed their full support for the efforts of tho Government of Dclize to maintain Belize's territorial integrity and to achieve a final resolution of the outstanding issues on the basis of the Heads of Agreement signod in London on the 11th of March 1981.
They requested the Secretary- General to convene the committee whenever necessary to assist the Government of Belize in finding a lasting settlement in accordance with tho Hoads of Agreement.

They noted tho helpful attitude of tho United States Government as reflected in its affirmative vote for the Belize resolution in tho United Rations General Assembly in 1980 and expressed confidence that this attitude would be maintained."

(unquoth).
(unquoth).

1 Finally, I wish to report that Belize has so far been granted observer status in tho organization of American States.

: By the terms of the charter of that Organization, Belize doos not qualify for full membership because of the dispute between Guatemala and the United Kingdom over Belize.

Government is determined, however, to pursue full membership of that Organization as scon as circumstances allow.

HON.

A. SHOi-lAN.
HON.

A. SHOi-lAN.

(Minister of Health, Housing and Cooperatives): relating ,'to the Paper 1 laid on the Table this morning.

Mr Speaker, I rise to make a short statement A iGelizean delegation from tho Ministry of Health comprising the Minister and tho Chief Medical Officer, paid an official visit to Costa Rice.

from the 18 to 24 of October.


The delegation 'was received by the- Minister of Health of Costa Rica, Dr Carmelo Carbosa, and held meetings with their heads of[section of the Ministry, with the directors of the Social Security Scheme, the University and tho College of Physicians and Surgeons, and also visited several institutions and programs in tho health sector.
On the 23 October, an Agreement on Cooperation in the Field Agreement provides, among other things - of I Health was signed by two Health Ministers.

This t■ I that the Ministry of Health of Costa Rica will organise programs of technical assistance and offer professional advice in the areas required by us; (2) for the professional and technical training of persons nominated by our Government; /(3) ...
I (<) (3) (4) (5) for the specialised training of Belizean doctors in areas of priority determined by u's; for scholarships in medicine, nursing and paramedical personnel; for shortterm training and refresher courses, both in Costa Rica and in Belize; and for highly specialised medical attention to be given to Belizeans in Costa Rica where this cannot be provided at home; and also for other areas to bo agreed upon in the future.

In order to carry the .


.gruoment forward, the Ministry of Health of Belize is inviting the Costa Rican Minister of Health and his team of officials and collaboration to visit Belize in early December.
While in Costa Rica, Mr Speaker, I had occasion to speak to the Foreign Minister, Bernd Niehaus, and President Rodrigo Caraso who assured mo of his Government's policy to continue to work together with the Government of Belize to promote peace, stability and democracy in Central America and to cooperate with us for the economic and social develop­ ment of Belize.

Thank you, Sir Speaker.

INTRODUCTION OF BILLS 1; loternotional Finsncial Organ!zations Dill, 1981 HUN.
G. PRlCu (Primo Minister): I rise to introduce a Bill for an Act to enable Belize to become a Member of the International Monetary Fund, the International Dank for Reconstruction and Development, the International Finance Corporation and the International Development Association.

Mr; Speaker, Belize must take full advantage of the '.'.

'e must con­ opportunities offered by its independence« solidate traditional sources of capital finance.
we must ensure continuity and we must open now avenues for financing private and public sector projects.

Membership of major international financial institutions is essential.

As a first step and to carry out a decision of the National; Assembly, it is proposed that Belize seeks membership of the International Monetary' Fund, the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, more commonly known as the World Bank, the International Finance Corporation and the International Development Association.
’• Bill read a First Timo and ordered to bo printed.

MR: 3PCAKER : Honourable Members, this Bill is referred to the Constitution and Foreign Affairs Committee for examination, consideration and report .

Defence (Amendment) Dill, 1931 HON.

V. H. CCURTHNZ.Y ( Minister of State ): Mr Speaker, I beg to.

introduce for its First Reading a Bill for an Act /to ft I « |l !

% (c) to amend the Defence ordinance 1977 (Ho.


8 of 1977) to give effect to the changes made necessary by the Belize 'Constitution and to provide for matters connected therewith or i’ncidental t he ret o .

incidental Bill read n First Tir.io and ordered to be printed.

MR SPEAKER: Honourable Members, this Bill is referred to the Internal /.ffairs and Labour Committee for examination, consideration and report.

Belizean Nationality Bill, 1981 HON.

V.H.


COURTCHAT ( Minister of State ): I beg to move the First Reading of a make provision for citizenship of Belize and for matters connected therewith.

Bill for an Ac’t to I Mr Speaker, Dill read a First Time and ordered to bo printed.

MR SPEAKER: Honourable Members, this .

'Jill is referred to the Constitution and Foreign Affairs Committee for examination, consideration and report.

4.

Labour (Amendment) Dill 1981 HON.

D.L.


MCKuY ( Minister of Social Services, Labour and Community Development): introduce a Bill for an Act to amend the Labour Ordinance No.

15 of 1959.

Mr Speaker, I rise to This amendment deals specifically with trie matter of payment of severance pay in respect of periods not covered by social security benefits, whether severance pay arises under the Labour Ordinance or under a collective agreement or a contract of service.
This Honourable Mouse will recall, Mr Speaker, that the Social Security Ordinance No.

6 of 1979 came into force on 1 Dune, 1981.

On that date, Section 189 of the Labour Ordinance made Section 178 Clause (1) of the said Labour Ordinance null and void in relation to any worker whose employer is contributing to the Social Security Scheme.

It is precisely for this reason, Mr Speaker, that this amendment is brought about to ensure that our Belizean workers are not deprived of their benefits once earned.
Bill read a First Time and ordered to be printed.

MR SPEAKER: Honourable Members, this will is referred to the Internal , .ffairs and Labour Committee for examination, consideration and report.

5.

’Ji.ldlife Protootion Dill, 1901 HON.

F.D.

MARIN ( Minister of Natural Resources ): Mr Speaker, X rise to introduce a Dill for an .Act to provide for the conservation, restoration and development of wildlife, for the regulation of its use and for all other matters connected therewith.
Dill read a First Timo and ordered to bo printed.

/MR SPuAKI-R.. .. (u) MR SPEAKER: Honourable Members, this Sill is referred to the Economic Development Committee for examination, con­ sideration and report.

6.

Nat iona 1 J■'a rk s 3yst eDill, 1901 HUN.

F.3.


MARIN ( Minister of Natural Resources ): Mr Speaker, I rise to introduce a Dill for an Act to provide for the preservation and protection of highly important natural and cultural features, for the regulation of the scientific, educational and rjereationcl use of the same and for all other matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.

Dill road a First Time anti ordered to bo printed.


MR SPEAKER: Honourable Members, this Dill is referred to the Health, Education and 'elfarc ination, consideration and report.

Committee for oxarn- MOTIONS EEL,-.TING TO TH.

: UL'SIML j 0.R SITTINGS OF THE HOUSE I HON.

G. PRICE (Prime Minister): I move that the House at its rising today, adjourns to Friday, November 14 at ten o'clock forenoon.
MR SPEAKER: Honourable Members, the Question is that the House at its rising today, adjourns to Friday, November 14 at ten o'clock forenoon.

All those in favour, kindly say aye; kindly say no.

I think the ayes have it.

those against, PUBLIC UUSINESS D. Private (ioubors Business Introduction of Bills HOtJ.

F.O.
F.O.

MARIN ( Minister of Hatural Resources ): Mr Speaker, on behalf of the Wo tabor for Corozal North, rise to introduce a Bill for an Act to provide for the Incorporation of the Iglosio Evangolica El Calvario (Belize).

I Siljl read next Gifting.

a First Timo, to be read, a Second Time ADOOURNHENT HON.

G. PRICE ( Prime Minister ): I move that the House do inow adjourn, to Friday, November 14.

HON.

P.S.’J.

GOLDS'..'!-!


( ..Ibert ): Mr Speaker, I would like to put in a plea witi: the Government to undertake a rescue mission as far as the streets of Belize City are con­ cerned .

> 4 (7) I think the situation of tho streets, Mr Speaker, has reached the proportions of on emergency, and it calls for emergency action.

The streets of Belize City, I think, it will be readily agreed on an objective basis, have never been as bad as they are at this moment.
Oust take a few examples entering the City: the rood by tho Cemetery, the extension of the Central Ainericcn Boulevard, • Bolphin Street, Fairweather Street, Doan At root, and a number of other streets.

On tho Northsido of the City; such, streets as Hopp Street are unpassablo.

I think, Mr Speaker, that it is clear that in the interest of the residents of Belize City, and indeed of the whole Country, that tho Govornmont should intervene.
And I would go so far as to say that perhaps this matter of tho streets of Belize City, is a niattor which has reached such a stage that oil sides involved should cone together and try to evolve some programme which will once anti for all put the streets on a usable oasis.
1 think the Opposition would be very happy to join with the Government and the City Council in a dialogue for the involving of a programme for the streets of Belize City, cannot bo handled merely on a partisan basis, emergency, and should bo dealt with as such.

I think it has reached a stage whore it It’s an MON G. PRICE ( Crime Minister ): Hr Speaker, the Opposition did not mention the recent weather condition.
Yes, some streets are bad, but I would dare say that some streets are better than they were two years ago.

And work is going on.

Cut we do welcome his offer of cooperation so that we can improve and speed up what is going on now when tho weather holds up and the sun comes out again and tho ground is dry.

( a p p 1 a u s e ) HON.


T. ARAIJDA ( Leader of the Opposition ): Mr Speaker, for the records, X think tho Opposition has to make it clear that the Heads of Agreement as a solution for the Anglo- Guatemalan problem are very very objectionable to tho Opposition.

M'e have gone through some pretty bad experiences when the Hoads were introduced. '

.

'o continue requesting that adequate solution be found to tho problem alright, but not as the Hoads of Agreement as a base.
we, therefore, reiterate to the Government and to the international world that the Opposition of Belize and all those bodies that supported the Opposition or, that issue give con­ sideration again to the Heads of .-.groeraont as a solution because it has, in fact, split Galiza on this basic issue.

And it remains objectionable to tho ■ Opposition as a solution to the problem between Great Britain and Guatemala.

,f HON.
,f HON.

G. FRiCLi ( Prime Minister ): o note the statement made by the Honourable Loader of the opposition.

!

i However, I would also like to add, Mr Speaker, that it was encouraging to note the unity and tho joy that pervaded throughout tho Country of Belize in the Independence celebra­ tions .

The Meads of ..groomerit have made known, publicly, ~ Agreement.

stand and are in force.


Me our understanding of tho Heads of Our understanding is that all these Hoads in no /way.... A r j (3) way prejudice the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity of idolize.

.

.nd on these principles wo continue to stand.

I would like to point out to tho Honourable Members across tho aisle, that they must not forget that tho Heads of Agreement do involve the United Kingdom.
Go that even after Independence, there is a residual important obligation of tiio United Kingdom to help Belize find a solution to which it did not create.

.

,ny other solution that may be pursued may run the danger of excluding one of the two principal parties to tho problem.

Belize's number one priority in its foreign policy is to help find a solution to tiio Anglo-Guutor.iolon dispute, which we did not cause; but which, it could bo described constitutionally, an Independent State did inherit.
Cut in no way that dispenses or excludes, eliminates the obligation of tho United Kingdom, which only recently was reasserted by His excellency the High Commissioner of the United Kingdom to Belize that tho United Kingdom stands by those Hoods of Agreement and is involved in endeavouring to find a solution to tho Anglo-Guatemalan dispute.
Un our part, in all public statements at the United Nations, at the Commonwealth; in Melbourne, Australia, in Belize, wo have mode the statement that we want friendship, we hold out tho hand of friendship to Guatemala and we want to find a solution to the Anglo-Guatemalan dispute without prejudice to principles of - I keep on repeating them because they are important - sovereignty and territorial integrity.

'.

;e are.
'.

;e are.

doing everything possible at the moment to resume the work of the Joint Commission to find such a solution and we do appeal to the Leader of tho Opposition and his party to try and understand tho international implication and tho importance of the Heads of Agreement as a possible means; in fact, I would say at this moment, the only means, that are soon us an instrument to try and solve the Anglo-Guatemalan dispute.

( o p p 1 a u s e ) MR GPL-AKGR : adjou rn.


Honourable Met.ibors, tho House now stands Adjournod at 10:30 a.m. to Friday, 14 November 1931.