The House of Representatives convened today, Friday 28th May 2021, in the Chamber of the National Assembly Building in Belmopan. The highlight of the day was the Public Sector Emoluments and Allowances Reduction Bill, 2021, as it went through all its stages.

AS WELL ON THE AGENDA WERE THE FOLLOWING:

PAPER

No. HR25/1/13 – Acquisition of a New Passport System.

*The above-mentioned paper was ordered to lie on the Table.

BILLS INTRODUCED

1. Income and Business Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2021.

Bill for an Act to amend the Income and Business Tax Act, Chapter 55 of the Substantive Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2011; to enhance Belize’s competitiveness and stimulate renewed growth in the international financial services sector; and to provide for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.

2. Court of Appeal (Amendment) (No.2) Bill, 2021.

Bill for an Act to amend the Court of Appeal Act, Chapter 90 of the Substantive Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2011; to expand the composition of the Court of Appeal; and to provide for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.

3. Protected Disclosures Bill, 2021.

Bill for an Act to combat corruption and other wrongdoings by encouraging and facilitating disclosures of improper conduct in the public and private sector; to protect persons making those disclosures from detrimental action; to regulate the receiving, investigating or otherwise dealing with disclosures of improper conduct; and to provide for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.

4. Public Sector Emoluments and Allowances Reduction Bill, 2021.

Bill for an Act to provide, in the public interest, for the reduction in salaries and allowances of certain persons appointed to hold a public office having regard to the deteriorated state of public finances; and to provide for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto

* Three Bills passed through all its stages today and those were, Income and Business Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2021; Court of Appeal (Amendment) (No.2) Bill, 2021; and Public Sector Emoluments and Allowances Reduction Bill, 2021.

MOTIONS

1. Motion to Consider the Approval by the National Assembly of the Disposition of the Commerce Bight Port to Recological Systems Limited, 2021.

2. Adoption of the Third Report from the Committee of Selection Motion, 2021

3. Resolution Approving the Appointment of Members of the Mines and Minerals Dispute Board Motion, 2021.

*The three above-mentioned Motions were adopted.

On the adjournment several Members spoke on matters of urgent public importance. The House adjourned at 5:37 P.M.