Yesterday, Tuesday, 10th March 2026, at 10:28 A.M., the House of Representatives convened for a Special Sitting at the National Assembly Chamber, Independence Hill, Belmopan. The meeting commenced with prayers led by Mrs. Margaret McGann.

Following the prayer, Speaker Valerie Woods delivered her announcements, noting that notices of absence were received from the Members for Freetown, Belize Rural North, Orange Walk South, Queen’s Square, and Corozal North. Speaker Woods acknowledged Mr. Robert Peyreffiete, who served as substitute Macebearer for the Sitting, as Mr. Henry Mortis is currently away attending to cancer treatment. The Speaker extended well wishes, on behalf of the House, to Mr. Mortis for his speedy recovery.

PAPERS

FOUR (4) House Papers were presented, one (1) was referred to a Committee of Supply and three (3) were laid on the Table.

Honourable Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Investment and Economic Transformation, Civil Aviation, and E-Governance:

  • No. HR63/1/14 – Draft Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure for Fiscal Year 2026/2027; (referred to the Committee of Supply for examination, consideration, and report)
    • No. HR64/1/14 – Central Bank of Belize – Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure for Fiscal Year 2026.

Honourable Minister of Agriculture, Food Security, and New Growth Industries:

  • No. HR65/1/14 – Supplies Control (Prices) (Amendment) (No.4) Regulations, 2026.

Honourable Minister of Immigration, Governance, and Labour:

  • No. HR66/1/14 – Ministry of Immigration, Governance, and Labour – Submission of International Labour Standards adopted at the 111th Session of the International Labour Conference held on 12th June 2024.

REPORTS FROM SELECT COMMITTEES

TWO (2) Committee Reports were presented and laid on the Table:

Chairperson of the Public Utilities, Transport, and Communications Committee:

  • No. HR67/1/14 – Report on the Motor Vehicle Insurance (Third Party Risks) (Amendment) Bill, 2026;
  • No. HR68/1/14 – Report on the Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic (Amendment) Bill, 2026.

INTRODUCTION OF BILLS

FOUR (4) new Bills were introduced:

  1. General Revenue Appropriation (2026/2027) Bill, 2026 – Provides for the appropriation of funds for the use of the Public Service of Belize for the financial year ending 31st March 2027.
  2. Internal Audit Bill, 2026 (referred to the Finance and Economic Development Committee) – Establishes an Internal Audit Department and Committee to strengthen governance, risk management, and accountability in the management of public funds.
  3. Ombudsman (Amendment) Bill, 2026 (referred to the Finance and Economic Development Committee) – Clarifies the emoluments payable to the holder of the Office of the Ombudsman.
  4. Contractor-General (Amendment) Bill, 2026 (referred to the Finance and Economic Development Committee) – Clarifies the emoluments payable to the holder of the Office of the Contractor-General.

Following the introduction of the General Revenue Appropriation (2026/2027) Bill, 2026, the Honourable Prime Minister moved the second reading of the captioned Bill and delivered the Budget Speech, outlining the Government’s fiscal priorities and financial framework for the upcoming fiscal year.

In accordance with Standing Orders 49(2), the continuation of the debate on the General Revenue Appropriation (2026/2027) Bill, 2026, was scheduled for Monday 23rd, Tuesday 24th, and Wednesday 25th March 2026.

MOTIONS

TWO (2) Motions were introduced:

  1. Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) – CLIMA – Strengthening Marine Ecosystem Resilience by Enhancing Wastewater Infrastructure in Caye Caulker (US$12.25 Million) – Loan and Guarantee Motion, 2026 (referred to the Finance and Economic Development Committee);
  2. Official Charities Fund Motion, 2026 (referred to the Committee of Supply).

BILLS FOR SECOND READING

TWO (2) Bills were read a second time:

  1. Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic (Amendment) Bill, 2026 – Expands the powers of traffic wardens to include enforcement duties under the Motor Vehicle Insurance (Third Party Risks) Act.
  2. Motor Vehicles Insurance (Third Party Risks) (Amendment) Bill, 2026 – Empowers traffic wardens to require the production of insurance certificates and increases penalties for operating motor vehicles without valid insurance.

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE HOUSE

The House resolved into a Committee of the Whole House to consider the two Bills that were read a second time. In accordance with Standing Orders, members of the media and visitors in the public galleries were asked to leave during this portion of the Sitting.

BILLS FOR THIRD READING

Following the consideration in the Committee of the Whole House, TWO (2) Bills were read a third time, without amendment:

  1. Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic (Amendment) Bill, 2026;
  2. Motor Vehicles Insurance (Third Party Risks) (Amendment) Bill, 2026.

WHAT’S NEXT IN PARLIAMENT?

The House adjourned at 3:13 P.M to Monday, 23rd March 2026, at 10:00 A.M., when the Budget Debate on the General Revenue Appropriation (2026/2027) Bill, 2026, will continue.

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.

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