On the 24th and 25th March 2022, the House of Representatives met in the Chambers of the National Assembly Building, in Belmopan, primarily to debate the General Revenue Appropriation (2022/2023) Bill, 2022, that was introduced on Tuesday, 18th March 2021. The debate was the highlight of the days as each Member gave their speech on the Bill.
As well on the Orders of the Day were the following business:
PAPER
1. Draft Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure for Fiscal Year 2022/2023. (Sessional Paper No. HR95/1/13 was presented on 15.03.22.)
The above Paper was ordered to lie on the Table.
MOTIONS
1. Official Charities Fund Motion, 2022.
2. Resolution Authorizing the Adjustment on the Rates of Business Tax on Net Interest Income Motion, 2022.
(The Honourable Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment)
3. Motion to seek to move the Belize Advisory Council to advise Her Excellency the Governor-General to exercise the Prerogative of Mercy, 2022.
(The Honourable Minister of Human Development, Families and Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs)
The above mentioned Motions 1 and 2 were adopted and Motion 3 was .
BILLS FOR SECOND READING
1. General Revenue Appropriation (2022/2023) Bill, 2022.
Bill for an Act to appropriate certain sums of money for the use of the Public Service of Belize for the financial year ending March 31, 2023.
(The Honourable Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment)
2. Village Councils (Amendment) Bill, 2022.
Bill for an Act to amend the Village Councils Act, Chapter 88 of the Substantive Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2020; to provide for eligibility requirements for election as Chairperson or member of a Village or Community Council; to provide for a procedure for the resignation of an elected member of a council; to allow for the Deputy Chairperson to assume the powers and duties of the Chairperson during his absence from office; and to provide for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.
(The Honourable Minister of Rural Transformation, Community Development, Labour and Local Government)
3. Cannabis and Industrial Hemp Control and Licensing Bill, 2022.
Bill for an Act to provide for the control and licensing of cannabis and industrial hemp; and to provide for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.
(The Honourable Minister of Home Affairs and New Growth Industries)
The above-mentioned Bills were passed.
The House adjourned at 6:54 P.M.
