Source document: https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/1697707523807.pdf (Belize)
BELIZE No.
27/1/13 SENATE Wednesday, 20th March 2019 10:09 A.M. Pursuant to the direction of Mr. President, in writing, dated 15th March 2019, the Senate met in the National Assembly Chamber in Belmopan on Wednesday, 20th March 2019, at 10:09 A.M. ***-*** Members Present: Senator, the Honourable Lee Mark Chang – President Senator, the Honourable Godwin Hulse – Leader of Government Business and Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Forestry, the Environment, Sustainable Development, Immigration Services and Refugees Dr.
Senator, the Honourable Carla Barnett – Vice-President and Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance, Labour, Local Government, Rural Development, Energy, Public Utilities, Public Service, and Elections and Boundaries Senator, the Honourable Estevan Perera – Temporary Senator Senator, the Honourable Macario Coy Sr.
Senator, the Honourable Stephen Duncan Senator, the Honourable Aldo Salazar Senator, the Honourable Valerie Woods Senator, the Honourable Paul Thompson 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 Michael Peyrefitte – Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Senator, the Honourable Eamon Courtenay MR. PRESIDENT in the Chair.

PRAYERS by Senator Rev.


Ashley Rocke.

OATH OF ALLEGIANCE OF A NEW SENATOR The Clerk administered the Oath, in accordance with section 65 of the Belize Constitution, to the new Senator, the Honourable Estevan Perera.

2 ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE PRESIDENT Mr. President made the following announcement:- “Honourable Members, by letter dated 15th March 2019, Cabinet’s recommendation has been signified to the following: 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.
Retired Persons (Incentives) (Amendment) Bill, 2018; International Business Companies (Amendment) Bill, 2019; International Financial Services Commission (Amendment) Bill, 2019; Caribbean Development Bank - Sixth Road (Coastal Highway Upgrading) Project - (US$36,576,000) - Loan Motion, 2019; Caribbean Development Bank - Second Road Safety Project - (US$5,941,000) - Loan Motion, 2019; and The Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development - Kuwaiti Dinars 6,000,000 Million - Caracol Road Project - Phase II - Loan Motion, 2019.” BILLS BROUGHT FROM THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES The Leader of Government Business and Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Forestry, the Environment, Sustainable Development, Immigration Services and Refugees signified his willingness to take charge of the following Bills: 1.
2.

3.

Retired Persons (Incentives) (Amendment) Bill, 2018; International Business Companies (Amendment) Bill, 2019; and International Financial Services Commission (Amendment) Bill, 2019.

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

Question was put and agreed to.


PAPERS The Leader of Government Business and Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Forestry, the Environment, Sustainable Development, Immigration Services and Refugees:- !
3 56/1/13 - Central Bank of Belize – Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure for Fiscal Year 2019; 57/1/13 - Central Bank of Belize – 2017 Annual Report & Statement of Accounts; 58/1/13 - Central Bank of Belize – 2016 Annual Report & Statement of Accounts; and 59/1/13 - Coastal Zone Management Authority and Institute Audited Financial Statements for the Year Ended March 31, 2018.

Papers were ordered to lie on the Table.


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

Question was put and agreed to.

PUBLIC BUSINESS A.

GOVERNMENT BUSINESS I MOTIONS 1.


Caribbean Development Bank - Sixth Road (Coastal Highway Upgrading) Project - (US$36,576,000) - Loan Motion, 2019.
The Leader of Government Business and Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Forestry, the Environment, Sustainable Development, Immigration Services and Refugees moved:- WHEREAS, section 3(1) of the Loans (Caribbean Development Bank) Act, Chapter 74 of the Substantive Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2011, 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; !
4 AND WHEREAS, section 7(2) of the Finance and Audit (Reform) Act, (No.
12 of 2005), provides that any agreement or contract or instrument effecting such borrowing or loan to the Government of or above the equivalent of ten million dollars Belize currency, shall only be validly entered into pursuant to a resolution of the National Assembly authorizing the Government to raise the loan or borrow the money; AND WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of the Bank has recently approved a Loan to the Government of Belize in the sum of US$36,576,000; AND WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of the Bank has recently approved a Grant to the Government of Belize of an amount not exceeding the equivalent of GBP 25,050,000 (approximately US$33.4 million) from CDB, acting as Administrator of the UK Caribbean Infrastructure Partnership Fund (CIF) Grant, to assist in financing the Project; AND WHEREAS, the purpose of the Loan is for the upgrading of 59 km of existing gravel road (Coastal Highway) between the northern and southern districts; the road connects the George Price Highway near Mile 30 and La Democracia Village to the Hummingbird Highway at Mile 9; the loan will also finance the acquisition of eighteen hectares of land necessary for road widening and realignment purposes; another component of the loan is to engage consultancy services to carry out construction Supervision Services; other activities include enhancing the capacity of communities in Gales Point and Mullins River to improve income-generation and economic empowerment and the preparation of a land use plan to inform development of the land resources within the immediate environs of the Coastal Highway; AND WHEREAS, the primary objectives of the Project is the rehabilitation of approximately 59 km of roadway, including pavement upgrading, safety improvements and climate adaptation works, bridge repairs and bridge replacement and engineering and construction-related services; AND WHEREAS, the Bank has offered to lend to the Government the sum of US $36,576,000 (“the Loan”) to finance the Project on the following terms and conditions: Ordinary Capital Resources Portion (a) (b) (c) US $32,427,600 Ordinary Capital Resources (OCR) – to be repaid in forty-eight (48) equal or approximately equal and consecutive quarterly installments commencing five (5) years after the date of the Loan Agreement; Interest at the rate of 4.8% per annum to be paid quarterly on the outstanding OCR portion of the loan; A Commitment Fee of 1% to be paid quarterly on the un- withdrawn portion of the loan from time to time, to accrue from the sixtieth (60th) day after the date of the Loan Agreement; Special Funds Resources Portion (a) US $4,148,400 Special Funds Resources (SFR) – to be repaid in eighty (80) equal or approximately equal and !
5 consecutive quarterly installments commencing five (5) years after the date of the Loan Agreement; (b) Interest at the rate of 1% per annum to be paid quarterly on the outstanding SFR portion of the loan; The Loan shall be fully disbursed by June 30, 2023, or such later date as the Bank may specify in writing; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that this Honourable House, being satisfied that the Loan proceeds would significantly assist the Government of Belize in its endeavor to rehabilitate approximately 59 km of roadway, including pavement upgrading, safety improvements and climate adaptation works, bridge repairs and bridge replacement and engineering and construction-related services, 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 was put and agreed to.

2.

Caribbean Development Bank - Second Road Safety Project - (US$5,941,000) - Loan Motion, 2019.
The Leader of Government Business and Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Forestry, the Environment, Sustainable Development, Immigration Services and Refugees moved:- WHEREAS, section 3(1) of the Loans (Caribbean Development Bank) Act, Chapter 74 of the Substantive Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2011, 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, section 7(2) of the Finance and Audit (Reform) Act, (No.
12 of 2005), provides that any agreement or contract or instrument effecting such borrowing or loan to the Government of or above the equivalent of ten million dollars Belize currency, shall only be validly entered into pursuant to a resolution of the National Assembly authorizing the Government to raise the loan or borrow the money; AND WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of the Bank approved a First Loan (Road Safety Project) to the Government of Belize in the sum of US $7,248,000 dated January 30, 2013; and an Additional Loan (Road Safety Project - Revision in Scope and Additional Loan) in the sum of US $4,584,000 dated February 2, 2015; !
6 AND WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of the Bank has recently approved a Second Loan (Second Road Safety Project) to the Government of Belize in the sum of US $5,941,000; AND WHEREAS, the purpose of the Second Loan is to provide funds to the Government of Belize for Institutional Strengthening to support improved road user awareness leading to behavior change, post-crash care and road safety management; provide support services including development of monitoring and evaluation software; pre- and post-project Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices (KAP) Surveys; development of road safety messages; purchase of enforcement equipment, educational toolkits, ambulances, high visibility personnel and vehicle safety equipment; and project management; AND WHEREAS, the main objective of the Project is to support the continued improvement of the safety of road users, post-crash response and capacity building for agencies involved in road safety management in Belize; AND WHEREAS, the Bank has offered to lend to the Government the sum of US $5,941,000 (“the Loan”) in one part to finance the Project on the following terms and conditions: Special Funds Resources (a) US $5,941,000 from the Bank’s Special Fund Resources (SFR) – to be repaid in sixty (60) equal or approximately equal and consecutive quarterly installments on each Due Date commencing on the first Due Date, five (5) years after the Agreement Date; (b) Interest at the rate of 1% per annum to be paid quarterly on the outstanding balance of the Loan; The Loan shall be fully disbursed by March 31, 2023, 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 efforts to support the continued improvement of the safety of road users, post-crash response and capacity building for agencies involved in road safety management in Belize, 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 was put and agreed to.

3.

The Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development - Kuwaiti Dinars 6,000,000 Million - Caracol Road Project - Phase II - Loan Motion, 2019.

The Leader of Government Business and Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Forestry, the Environment, Sustainable Development, Immigration Services and Refugees moved:- !
7 WHEREAS, the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (hereinafter referred to as “the Kuwait Fund”) provides support to Arab and other developing countries by providing concessionary financing and technical assistance for implementation of key development projects and programmes; AND WHEREAS, the Government of Belize has requested assistance from the Kuwait Fund for partial financing of Phase II of the Upgrading of the Caracol Road Project (hereinafter referred to as “the Project”); AND WHEREAS, Phase II of the Project comprises the upgrading of a further 26 miles of the Caracol Road, from a dirt and gravel road to an asphalt road consisting of two lanes, with a width of about 23 feet and shoulders of about 5 feet on each side, and includes improved drainage, the reconstruction of reinforced-concrete bridges, as well as lighting, safety provisions and new signage on the Road; AND WHEREAS, the Fund has approved an offer of a Loan in the amount of Six Million Kuwaiti Dinars, equivalent to approximately US $20 Million, to the Government of Belize to assist in the financing of Phase II of the Project; AND WHEREAS, the approved funding will be used to finance: 64% of the amount needed for the civil works and 100% of the amount needed for the Technical Assistance and Institutional Support required under Phase II of the Project; AND WHEREAS, the Government of Belize will cover the remaining 36% of the total costs of the construction works under Phase II, through counterpart contribution and the commitment of a second loan from the OPEC Fund for International Development (OFID), which is funding Phase I of the Project; AND WHEREAS, the terms and conditions of the Kuwait Fund Loan Offer are as follows: Lender: The Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development; Loan Principal Amount: Six Million Kuwaiti Dinars (or approximately US$20 Million); Disbursement Schedule: Withdrawals shall be made from time to time up to December 31, 2023; Loan Term: Twenty (20) years (5 years grace period plus 15 years repayment period); Grace Period: Five (5) years from effective date of the Loan Agreement; Repayment period: Repayment in thirty (30) e q u a l s e m i - a n n u a l installments of US$663,570 !
8 Purpose: commencing October 15, 2023; To rehabilitate an additional 26 miles of the Caracol Road, under Phase II of the Project, to improve the connectivity and accessibility between the George Price Highway and the Caracol Archaeological Site; Rate of Interest: At a rate of Two percent (2.0%) per annum on the principal amount withdrawn and outstanding and payable semi-annually on April 15 and October 15 in each year; Service Charge: At a rate of one half of one percent (1/2%) per annum on the principal amount of the L o a n w i t h d r a w n a n d outstanding payable semi- annually on April 15 and October 15 in each year; AND WHEREAS, under the provisions of section 7 of the Finance and Audit (Reform) Act, (No.
12 of 2005), the Government of Belize is required to obtain the authorization of the National Assembly, by way of a Resolution, for such a borrowing; AND WHEREAS, for scheduling purposes the Loan Agreement with the Kuwait Fund was entered into on January 14, 2019, subject to the affirmation of this Honourable House; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that this Honourable House, being satisfied that the loan proceeds would significantly contribute to the economic and social development of the settlements along the Caracol Road in the Cayo District, by improving the accessibility and connectivity to the area, thereby enhancing opportunities for agriculture, trade and business as well as tourism, approves and affirms that the Government of Belize may enter into a Loan Agreement with the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development on the terms and conditions set out above, and further authorizes the Minister of Finance to execute and deliver the said Loan Agreement and all other documents associated therewith.
(Suspension of the debate on the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development - Kuwaiti Dinars 6,000,000 Million - Caracol Road Project - Phase II - Loan Motion, 2019.)

In accordance with Standing Order 10 (8), the Leader of Government Business and Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Forestry, the Environment, Sustainable Development, Immigration Services and Refugees 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.

!

9 (Resumption and continuation of the debate on the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development - Kuwaiti Dinars 6,000,000 Million - Caracol Road Project - Phase II - Loan Motion, 2019.)

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

4.

Re-Appointment of Ombudsman Motion, 2019.
The Leader of Government Business and Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Forestry, the Environment, Sustainable Development, Immigration Services and Refugees moved:- WHEREAS, section 3(2) of the Ombudsman Act, Chapter 5 of the Substantive Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2011, provides that the Ombudsman shall be appointed by the Governor-General, acting on the recommendations of both Houses of the National Assembly contained in resolutions passed in that behalf; AND WHEREAS, MR. LIONEL ARZU continues to possess the relevant qualifications and fulfils the requirements for appointment to the office of Ombudsman, as contained in the Ombudsman Act; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that this Honourable House, being satisfied that MR. LIONEL ARZU is a fit and proper person to be re-appointed as Ombudsman, recommends to the Governor-General that MR. LIONEL ARZU be re-appointed as Ombudsman for a further period of one (1) year with effect from 1st April 2019, on his existing terms and conditions.
Motion was referred to the Constitution and Foreign Affairs Committee for examination, consideration and report.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

Appointment of Ms. Armead Gabourel as a Member of the Integrity Commission Motion, 2019.

Appointment of Ms. Lisbeth Delgado as a Member of the Integrity Commission Motion, 2019.

Appointment of Mr. Wilmot Simmons as a Member of the Integrity Commission Motion, 2019.

Appointment of Mr. Nestor Vasquez as a Member of the Integrity Commission Motion, 2019.
Appointment of Ms. Zoe Roberson Zetina as a Member of the Integrity Commission Motion, 2019.

10.

Appointment of Ms. Claudet Grinage as a Member of the Integrity Commission Motion, 2019.

The Leader of Government Business and Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Forestry, the Environment, Sustainable Development, Immigration Services and Refugees moved that the above-mentioned Motions be read all together.

!
10 Thereafter the Leader of Government Business and Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Forestry, the Environment, Sustainable Development, Immigration Services and Refugees moved:- WHEREAS, section 3(1) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, Chapter 105 of the Substantive Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 201,1 provides for the establishment of a body to be known as the Integrity Commission, which shall consist of a Chairperson who shall be an attorney-at-law with not less than five years standing, and six other members who shall be persons of integrity and high national standing; AND WHEREAS, it is further provided by subsection (2) of that section that two members of the Integrity Commission shall be appointed by the Governor-General, acting in accordance with the advice of the Prime Minister given with the concurrence of the Leader of the Opposition, and the other members of the Integrity Commission, including the Chairperson, shall be appointed by the Governor-General, acting in accordance with the advice of the Prime Minister given after consultation with the Leader of the Opposition; AND WHEREAS, after consultation with the Leader of the Opposition, the Right Honourable Prime Minister intends to advise the Governor- General to appoint MS. ARMEAD GABOUREL, as a member of the Integrity Commission; AND WHEREAS, MS. ARMEAD GABOUREL is a person of integrity and high national standing; AND WHEREAS, subsections (2) (c) and (3) of section 61A of the Constitution of Belize provide that a member of the Integrity Commission can only be validly appointed with the prior approval of the Senate; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that this Honourable Senate, having perused the curriculum vitae of MS. ARMEAD GABOUREL, and being satisfied that she is a fit and proper person to be appointed as a member of the Integrity Commission, hereby approves the said appointment for a period of two (2) years with effect from 1st January 2019.
---------- WHEREAS, section 3(1) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, Chapter 105 of the Substantive Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2011, provides for the establishment of a body to be known as the Integrity Commission, which shall consist of a Chairperson who shall be an attorney-at-law with not less than five years standing, and six other members who shall be persons of integrity and high national standing; AND WHEREAS, it is further provided by subsection (2) of that section that two members of the Integrity Commission shall be appointed by the Governor-General, acting in accordance with the advice of the Prime Minister given with the concurrence of the Leader of the Opposition, and the other members of the Integrity Commission, including the Chairperson, shall be appointed by the Governor-General, acting in accordance with the advice of the Prime Minister given after consultation with the Leader of the Opposition; !
11 AND WHEREAS, after consultation with the Leader of the Opposition, the Right Honourable Prime Minister intends to advise the Governor- General to appoint MS. LISBETH DELGADO, as a member of the Integrity Commission; AND WHEREAS, MS. LISBETH DELGADO is a person of integrity and high national standing; AND WHEREAS, subsections (2) (c) and (3) of section 61A of the Constitution of Belize provide that a member of the Integrity Commission can only be validly appointed with the prior approval of the Senate; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that this Honourable Senate, having perused the curriculum vitae of MS. LISBETH DELGADO, and being satisfied that she is a fit and proper person to be appointed as a member of the Integrity Commission, hereby approves the said appointment for a period of two (2) years with effect from 1st January 2019.
---------- WHEREAS, section 3(1) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, Chapter 105 of the Substantive Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2011, provides for the establishment of a body to be known as the Integrity Commission, which shall consist of a Chairperson who shall be an attorney-at-law with not less than five years standing, and six other members who shall be persons of integrity and high national standing; AND WHEREAS, it is further provided by subsection (2) of that section that two members of the Integrity Commission shall be appointed by the Governor-General, acting in accordance with the advice of the Prime Minister given with the concurrence of the Leader of the Opposition, and the other members of the Integrity Commission, including the Chairperson, shall be appointed by the Governor-General, acting in accordance with the advice of the Prime Minister given after consultation with the Leader of the Opposition; AND WHEREAS, after consultation with the Leader of the Opposition, the Right Honourable Prime Minister intends to advise the Governor- General to appoint MR. WILMOT SIMMONS, as a member of the Integrity Commission; AND WHEREAS, MR. WILMOT SIMMONS is a person of integrity and high national standing; AND WHEREAS, subsections (2) (c) and (3) of section 61A of the Constitution of Belize provide that a member of the Integrity Commission can only be validly appointed with the prior approval of the Senate; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that this Honourable Senate, having perused the curriculum vitae of MR. WILMOT SIMMONS, and being satisfied that he is a fit and proper person to be appointed as a member of the Integrity Commission, hereby approves the said appointment for a period of two (2) years with effect from 1st January 2019.
12 WHEREAS, section 3(1) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, Chapter 105 of the Substantive Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2011, provides for the establishment of a body to be known as the Integrity Commission, which shall consist of a Chairperson who shall be an attorney-at-law with not less than five years standing, and six other members who shall be persons of integrity and high national standing; AND WHEREAS, it is further provided by subsection (2) of that section that two members of the Integrity Commission shall be appointed by the Governor-General, acting in accordance with the advice of the Prime Minister given with the concurrence of the Leader of the Opposition, and the other members of the Integrity Commission, including the Chairperson, shall be appointed by the Governor-General, acting in accordance with the advice of the Prime Minister given after consultation with the Leader of the Opposition; AND WHEREAS, after consultation with the Leader of the Opposition, the Right Honourable Prime Minister intends to advise the Governor- General to appoint MR. NESTOR VASQUEZ, as a member of the Integrity Commission; AND WHEREAS, MR. NESTOR VASQUEZ is a person of integrity and high national standing and is a member of the Institute Chartered Accountants of Belize; AND WHEREAS, subsections (2) (c) and (3) of section 61A of the Constitution of Belize provide that a member of the Integrity Commission can only be validly appointed with the prior approval of the Senate; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that this Honourable Senate, having perused the curriculum vitae of MR. NESTOR VASQUEZ, and being satisfied that he is a fit and proper person to be appointed as a member of the Integrity Commission, hereby approves the said appointment for a period of two (2) years with effect from 1st January 2019.
---------- WHEREAS, section 3(1) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, Chapter 105 of the Substantive Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2011, provides for the establishment of a body to be known as the Integrity Commission, which shall consist of a Chairperson who shall be an attorney-at-law with not less than five years standing, and six other members who shall be persons of integrity and high national standing; AND WHEREAS, it is further provided by subsection (2) of that section that two members of the Integrity Commission shall be appointed by the Governor-General, acting in accordance with the advice of the Prime Minister given with the concurrence of the Leader of the Opposition, and the other members of the Integrity Commission, including the Chairperson, shall be appointed by the Governor-General, acting in accordance with the advice of the Prime Minister given after consultation with the Leader of the Opposition; AND WHEREAS, after consultation with the Leader of the Opposition, the Right Honourable Prime Minister intends to advise the Governor- General to appoint MS. ZOE ROBERSON ZETINA, as a member of the Integrity Commission; !
13 AND WHEREAS, MS. ZOE ROBERSON ZETINA is a person of integrity and high national standing; AND WHEREAS, subsections (2) (c) and (3) of section 61A of the Constitution of Belize provide that a member of the Integrity Commission can only be validly appointed with the prior approval of the Senate; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that this Honourable Senate, having perused the curriculum vitae of MS. ZOE ROBERSON ZETINA, and being satisfied that she is a fit and proper person to be appointed as a member of the Integrity Commission, hereby approves the said appointment for a period of two (2) years with effect from 1st January 2019.
---------- WHEREAS, section 3(1) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, Chapter 105 of the Substantive Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2011, provides for the establishment of a body to be known as the Integrity Commission, which shall consist of a Chairperson who shall be an attorney-at-law with not less than five years standing, and six other members who shall be persons of integrity and high national standing; AND WHEREAS, it is further provided by subsection (2) of that section that two members of the Integrity Commission shall be appointed by the Governor-General, acting in accordance with the advice of the Prime Minister given with the concurrence of the Leader of the Opposition, and the other members of the Integrity Commission, including the Chairperson, shall be appointed by the Governor-General, acting in accordance with the advice of the Prime Minister given after consultation with the Leader of the Opposition; AND WHEREAS, after consultation with the Leader of the Opposition, the Right Honourable Prime Minister intends to advise the Governor- General to appoint MS. CLAUDET GRINAGE, as a member of the Integrity Commission; AND WHEREAS, MS. CLAUDET GRINAGE is a person of integrity and high national standing; AND WHEREAS, subsections (2) (c) and (3) of section 61A of the Constitution of Belize provide that a member of the Integrity Commission can only be validly appointed with the prior approval of the Senate; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that this Honourable Senate, having perused the curriculum vitae of MS. CLAUDET GRINAGE, and being satisfied that she is a fit and proper person to be appointed as a member of the Integrity Commission, hereby approves the said appointment for a period of two (2) years with effect from 1st January 2019.
After the debate thereon, Motions were referred to the Constitution and Foreign Affairs Committee for examination, consideration and report.

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14 II BILLS FOR SECOND READING 1.

Retired Persons (Incentives) (Amendment) Bill, 2018.
The Leader of Government Business and Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Forestry, the Environment, Sustainable Development, Immigration Services and Refugees moved that the above-mentioned Bill be read a second time: Bill for an Act to amend the Retired Persons (Incentives) Act, Chapter 62 of the Substantive Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2011; to prohibit persons who are designated as a Qualified Retired Person from making investments in Belize; 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.

2. International Business Companies (Amendment) Bill, 2019.

3. International Financial Services Commission (Amendment) Bill, 2019.

The Leader of Government Business and Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Forestry, the Environment, Sustainable Development, Immigration Services and Refugees moved that the above mentioned Bills be read all together.
Thereafter the Leader of Government Business and Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries, the Environment, Sustainable Development, Immigration Services and Refugees moved that the Bills be read a second time: Bill for an Act to amend the International Business Companies Act, Chapter 270 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2011; to remove the option by a company to meet physical presence requirements and to institute mandatory physical presence by such international business companies; and to provide for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.
----------- Bill for an Act to amend the International Financial Services Commission Act, Chapter 272 of the Substantive Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2011; to strengthen the provisions relating to international financial services; to set the criteria for physical presence of persons licensed by the International Financial !

15 Services Commission as well as for international business companies; and to provide for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.
After debate thereon, questions were put and agreed to.

Bills accordingly read a second time and, pursuant to Standing Orders, were 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.

Re-Appointment of Ombudsman Motion, 2019.

Motion in its entirety agreed to.

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

2.

Appointment of Ms. Armead Gabourel as a Member of the Integrity Commission Motion, 2019.

3.

4.

5.

Appointment of Ms. Lisbeth Delgado as a Member of the Integrity Commission Motion, 2019.

Appointment of Mr. Wilmot Simmons as a Member of the Integrity Commission Motion, 2019.
Appointment of Mr. Nestor Vasquez as a Member of the Integrity Commission Motion, 2019.

Motions in their entirety agreed to.

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

6.

7.

Appointment of Ms. Zoe Roberson Zetina as a Member of the Integrity Commission Motion, 2019.

Appointment of Ms. Claudet Grinage as a Member of the Integrity Commission Motion, 2019.

Motions in their entirety agreed to.

Motions to be reported back to the Senate for adoption without amendment.
(In the Committee of the whole Senate) !

16 MR. PRESIDENT in the Chair.

1.

Retired Persons (Incentives) (Amendment) Bill, 2018.

Clauses 1 to 6 agreed to.

Bill to be reported back to the Senate without amendment.

2. International Business Companies (Amendment) Bill, 2019.

Clauses 1 to 7 agreed to.

Bill to be reported back to the Senate without amendment.

3. International Financial Services Commission (Amendment) Bill, 2019.

Clauses 1 to 9 agreed to.


Bill to be reported back to the Senate without amendment.

PUBLIC BUSINESS A.

GOVERNMENT BUSINESS IV MOTIONS (Adoption of Motions) 1.

Re-Appointment of Ombudsman Motion, 2019.


The Leader of Government Business and Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Forestry, the Environment, Sustainable Development, Immigration Services and Refugees 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 was put and agreed to.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Appointment of Ms. Armead Gabourel as a Member of the Integrity Commission Motion, 2019.
Appointment of Ms. Lisbeth Delgado as a Member of the Integrity Commission Motion, 2019.

Appointment of Mr. Wilmot Simmons as a Member of the Integrity Commission Motion, 2019.

Appointment of Mr. Nestor Vasquez as a Member of the Integrity Commission Motion, 2019. !

17 6.

7.

Appointment of Ms. Zoe Roberson Zetina as a Member of the Integrity Commission Motion, 2019.

Appointment of Ms. Claudet Grinage as a Member of the Integrity Commission Motion, 2019.
The Leader of Government Business and Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Forestry, the Environment, Sustainable Development, Immigration Services and Refugees reported that the Constitution and Foreign Affairs Committee met and considered the above-captioned Motions and has agreed for them to be adopted without amendment.

Question were put and agreed to.

V REPORTING AND THIRD READING OF BILLS 1.

Retired Persons (Incentives) (Amendment) Bill, 2018.
The Leader of Government Business and Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Forestry, the Environment, Sustainable Development, Immigration Services and Refugees 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 was put and agreed to.

Bill read a third time.

2. International Business Companies (Amendment) Bill, 2019.
The Leader of Government Business and Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Forestry, the Environment, Sustainable Development, Immigration Services and Refugees 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 was put and agreed to.

Bill read a third time.

3. International Financial Services Commission (Amendment) Bill, 2019.
The Leader of Government Business and Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Forestry, the Environment, Sustainable Development, Immigration Services and Refugees 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.

!

18 Question was put and agreed to.

Bill read a third time.


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

After a short intervention by Senator Markhelm Lizarraga, question was put and agreed to.

The Senate adjourned at 1:42 P.M. to a date to be fixed by the President.

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