Today, Friday, 6th February 2026, at 10:20 A.M., the House of Representatives convened in the New renovated National Assembly, the Original House of Parliament. The meeting commenced with prayers led by Mr. Celestine Francis.
Following the prayer, Madam Speaker delivered an extensive opening remarks where she noted the absences of all the Members of the Opposition. Madam Speaker highlighted that this Sitting marked a historic milestone as it is the first regular House Sitting held in the renovated National Assembly building. She also outlined that the renovation project was made possible through an initial grant of approximately $1.5 million from the Republic of China (Taiwan), representing 27% of the total cost, with the remaining 73%, approximately $4.3 million, funded by the Government of Belize. With just over 21,000 square feet of space, the renovation cost averaged just under $300 per square foot.
Madam Speaker further informed the House that the formal handing over of the building took place earlier this week between the MIDH Project Manager and the Clerk of the National Assembly. She highlighted key features of the renovation, including upgraded electrical, plumbing, ventilation, fire-safety, and energy-efficient systems; enhanced security; technology readiness; preservation of the building’s historical and symbolic character; improved public and visitor areas; accessibility upgrades; expanded office and workspace capacity; a modernized parliamentary chamber and committee rooms; and provisions for future growth.
The Speaker expressed her gratitude to Members from both sides of the House and the Senate, as well as social partners, for their contributions and support throughout the renovation process. She noted that a short documentary chronicles the “history of the building and its renovation” which is expected to be featured during this month.
She further noted that all Members are encouraged to participate in an orientation of the new space and to complete feedback forms distributed for today’s Sitting, to assist in improving functionality and operational efficiency.
There was also the announced of the establishment of a Parliamentary Meeting Calendar for the House of Representatives, with the objective of setting the first Friday of every month as the minimum scheduled House meeting date, except during official recess periods. This initiative aims to assist the Executive, Members, and parliamentary staff with improved planning and coordination.
Additionally, Madam Speaker welcomed the visitors to the public galleries for the first time in several years and reminded them of the rules governing attendance and decorum in the Chamber.
At the start of proceedings, the House agreed to suspend the Sitting to allow the Committee of Selection to meet regarding a vacancy in the Joint Public Accounts Committee. Upon resumption, the Chairperson of the Committee of Selection presented and laid on the Table Sessional Paper No. HR54A/1/14 – Report from the Committee of Selection on the Vacancy in the Joint Public Accounts Committee.
PAPERS
SIX (6) House Papers were presented and laid on the Table by Honourable Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Investment and Economic Transformation, Civil Aviation, and E-Governance:
- No. HR55/1/14 – Report of the Auditor General for the Year April 2016 to March 2017 (referred to the Joint Public Accounts Committee)
Honourable Minister of Agriculture, Food Security, and New Growth Industries:
- No. HR56/1/14 – Supplies Control (Price) (Amendment) (No.39) Regulations, 2025
• No. HR57/1/14 – Supplies Control (Price) (Amendment) (No.40) Regulations, 2025
• No. HR58/1/14 – Supplies Control (Price) (Amendment) (No.41) Regulations, 2025
• No. HR59/1/14 – Supplies Control (Price) (Amendment) (No.42) Regulations, 2025
• No. HR60/1/14 – Supplies Control (Price) (Amendment) (No.43) Regulations, 2025
REPORTS FROM SELECT COMMITTEES
TWO (2) Committee Reports were presented and laid on the Table:
- Health and Human Development Committee:
o No. HR61/1/14 – Report on the Tobacco Control Bill, 2025 - Public Service, Labour, Industry, and Trade Committee:
o No. HR62/1/14 – Report on the Occupational Safety and Health Bill, 2025
BILL BROUGHT FROM THE SENATE
The Gaming and Lotteries Control Bill, 2025, was brought from the Senate. The House considered and accepted the Senate amendments to the Bill.
INTRODUCTION OF BILLS
FOUR (4) new Bills were introduced and referred to their respective House Committees:
- National Health Insurance Authority Bill, 2026 (referred to Health and Human Development Committee) – Establishes a standalone legal framework for the administration of National Health Insurance and advances universal health coverage.
- Caribbean Community (Free Movement and Contingent Rights) Bill, 2026 (referred to Constitution and Foreign Affairs Committee) – Gives effect to CARICOM decisions allowing free movement and contingent rights among participating Member States.
- Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic (Amendment) Bill, 2026 (referred to Public Utilities, Transport, and Communications Committee) – Expands the powers of traffic wardens and strengthens enforcement under motor vehicle legislation.
- Motor Vehicles Insurance (Third Party Risks) (Amendment) Bill, 2026 (referred to Public Utilities, Transport, and Communications Committee) – Empowers traffic wardens to require insurance certificates and increases penalties for uninsured driving.
BILL FOR SECOND READING
ONE (1) Bill was read a second time:
- Occupational Safety and Health Bill, 2025 – Establishes the National Occupational Safety and Health Advisory Committee and Inspectorate, repeals the Factories Act, and strengthens occupational safety and health standards nationwide.
The second reading of the Tobacco Control Bill, 2025, was deferred to a further date at the request of the Honourable Minister of Health and Wellness.
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE HOUSE
The House resolved into a Committee of the whole House to consider the Occupational Safety and Health Bill, 2025. In accordance with Standing Orders, media and visitors were excused during this portion of the proceedings.
BILL FOR THIRD READING
Following consideration in Committee, ONE (1) Bill was read a third time and passed:
- Occupational Safety and Health Bill, 2025 – Passed with amendments.
WHAT’S NEXT IN PARLIAMENT?
The House adjourned at 2:58 P.M. to a date to be fixed by the Speaker.
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 channels.
Together, let’s build a more informed and engaged Belize.