March 1, 2017

The Senate Special Select Committee convened once again in the Chamber of the  National Assembly of Belize in Belmopan, to progress with their investigation into the Auditor General’s Special Visa and other findings Report on the Immigration and Nationality Department for the period 2011-2013.

Today’s hearing commenced at 10:15 A.M, with Mr. Mark Tench, Immigration Officer, being the first witness to take the stand. The Committee interrogated Mr. Tench straight through to their lunch break at 12:00 o’clock and when resumed back at 1:00 P.M. they continued with him.

Second to take the witness stand was Mr. Vernon Leslie, Port Commander. He appeared before the Committee with his Attorney, Mr. Andrew Bennett. The Committee asked Mr. Leslie various questions as well up until the hearing was adjourned at  3:10 P.M.

Mr. Rodolfo Bol Jr., Information Technology Manager at the Immigration Department was to appear as a third witness today, but due to the time taken up by the first two witnesses, he was reschedule to appear before the Committee at the next meeting.

 All Committee Members were present at today hearing, Chairman- Senator Aldo Salazar,  Senator Carla Barnett, Senator Elena Smith, Senator Eamon Courtenay, Senator Markhelm Lizarraga and Senator Ashley Rocke.