On Tuesday, 28th April 2026, the Senate convened at 9:08 a.m. at the National Assembly Chamber in Belmopan to conduct its scheduled Sitting. The Sitting focused on the swearing-in of a new Senator and the consideration of several Bills brought from the House of Representatives.
The Sitting opened with prayers led by Senator Linsford Castillo, followed by the Oath of Allegiance administered to Senator Anthony Sylvestre by the Clerk. Madam President congratulated Senator Sylvestre and welcomed him to the Sitting.
During announcements, Madam President informed Honourable Senators that by letters dated 12th December 2025, Cabinet’s recommendation had been signified to the Judges Salaries and Pensions Bill, 2025.
BILLS BROUGHT FROM THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
FOUR (4) Bills were brought from the House of Representatives and taken in charge by the Leader of Government Business:
- Judges Salaries and Pensions Bill, 2025;
- Occupational Safety and Health Bill, 2025;
- Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic (Amendment) Bill, 2026; and
- Motor Vehicles Insurance (Third Party Risks) (Amendment) Bill, 2026.
In accordance with Standing Order No. 49(1), the Leader of Government Business moved that the Bills be taken through all their stages forthwith. The motion was approved.
MOTIONS RELATING TO THE BUSINESS OR SITTINGS OF THE SENATE
The Leader of Government Business moved that at its rising, the Senate adjourn to a date to be fixed by the President. The motion was approved.
BILLS FOR SECOND READING
FOUR (4) Bills were read a second time:
- Judges Salaries and Pensions Bill, 2025
- This Bill seeks to provide for the salaries, pensions, and other conditions of service of Judges of the High Court of Judicature and the Court of Appeal.
- Occupational Safety and Health Bill, 2025
- This Bill seeks to establish the National Occupational Safety and Health Advisory Committee and the Occupational Safety and Health Inspectorate, improve standards for occupational safety and health, outline duties and obligations of employers and workers, repeal the Factories Act, Chapter 296, and provide for related matters.
- Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic (Amendment) Bill, 2026
- This Bill seeks to amend the Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic Act, Chapter 230, to expand the powers of traffic wardens to include enforcement duties under the Motor Vehicle Insurance (Third Party Risks) Act.
- Motor Vehicles Insurance (Third Party Risks) (Amendment) Bill, 2026
- This Bill seeks to amend the Motor Vehicle Insurance (Third Party Risks) Act, Chapter 231, to empower traffic wardens to require the production of insurance certificates, increase penalties for using a motor vehicle without insurance, and provide for related matters.
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE SENATE
Following the second readings, the Senate resolved into a Committee of the Whole Senate, chaired by Madam President, to consider the Bills clause by clause.
During this stage:
- The Judges Salaries and Pensions Bill, 2025 was withheld in the Committee of the Whole
- The Occupational Safety and Health Bill, 2025 was withheld in the Committee of the Whole
- The Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic (Amendment) Bill, 2026 was considered and approved without amendment.
- The Motor Vehicles Insurance (Third Party Risks) (Amendment) Bill, 2026 was considered and approved without amendment.
The Senate then resumed.
REPORTING AND THIRD READING OF BILLS
Following reporting from the Committee of the Whole Senate, TWO (2) Bills were read a third time and passed:
- Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic (Amendment) Bill, 2026 – Passed without amendment; and
- Motor Vehicles Insurance (Third Party Risks) (Amendment) Bill, 2026 – Passed without amendment.
ADJOURNMENT
The Senate adjourned at 4:28 P.M. to a date to be fixed by the President.
STAY ENGAGED
Members of the public are encouraged to follow parliamentary proceedings and access Bills, sessional papers, and Hansards through the National Assembly’s official platforms.
Together, let’s build a more informed and engaged Belize.