On Tuesday, 11th November 2025, at 9:10 A.M., a special Meeting of the Senate was held at the National Assembly, George Price Centre, Belmopan. The meeting started with a prayer led by Senator Reverend Louis Wade Jr. and came to order as Senators gathered to address matters of significant national importance.

On the agenda was the Oath of Allegiance of a new Senator, that was administered to Senator Anthony Sylvestre, Leader of Government Business, by the Clerk to the National Assembly. Following his swearing in, Madam President extended congratulations and welcomed him to the sitting.

Announcements by the President:

Madam President announced that, by a letter dated 27th June 2025, Cabinet’s recommendation has been signified to the Gaming and Lotteries Control Bill, 2025.

Bills brought from the House of Representatives:

  1. Gaming and Lotteries Control Bill, 2025 – This Bill repeals, replaces, and consolidates the Gambling Prevention Act, the Computer Wagering Licensing Act, the Lotteries Control Act, and the Gaming Control Act, to provide comprehensive regulation of gaming and lottery activities.
  2. Civil Registry and Vital Statistics Bill, 2025 – This Bill repeals and replaces the Registration of Births and Deaths Act; provides for the digitalization of the registry of births, deaths and other life events; provides for the organizational restructuring of the Vital Statistics Unit into a Department; and provides for harsher penalties for offences.

The introduction of the National Assembly (Powers, Privileges, and Immunities) Bill, 2025, which was listed on the agenda, was deferred to a later date.

Motions:

There was only ONE (1) Motion that was presented, debated and thereafter referred to the Constitution and Foreign Affairs Committee for examination, consideration and report:

Resolution Authorizing the Ratification by Belize of the Agreement between the Government of Belize and the Government of the United States of America for Cooperation Regarding the Examination of Protection Requests Motion, 2025 – This Resolution authorizes the Government of Belize to ratify an Agreement signed in Belmopan on 20th  October 2025, and establishes a framework for cooperation between Belize and the United States to ensure the dignified, safe, and timely transfer of third country nationals who seek protection.

After the consideration of the Constitution and Foreign Affairs Committee, the Motion was reported back to the Senate and adopted without amendment.  A division was requested, and the results were as follows: eight (8) Senators voted in favour of the Resolution; and five (5) Senators voted against the Resolution.

Bills for Second Reading:

Two Bills were debated:

  1. Gaming and Lotteries Control Bill, 2025; and
  2. Civil Registry and Vital Statistics Bill, 2025.

However, it was agreed that the Gaming and Lotteries Control Bill, 2025, will be further examined in the Committee of the whole Senate while the Civil Registry and Vital Statistics Bill, 2025, was read a second time.

Committee of the Whole Senate:

The Civil Registry Vital Statistics Bill, 2025, was thoroughly reviewed in the Committee of the Whole Senate, with all its 54 clauses and 7 schedules approved. The Bill was subsequently reported back to the Senate without amendment.

The Bail Bill, 2025, which was listed on the agenda, remains in Committee of the Whole Senate, to be further examined.

Bill Passed:

After the Committee of the Whole Senate stage, one Bill was read for a Third Time, marking the final stage in the legislative process in the Senate:

  1. Civil Registry and Vital Statistics Bill, 2025 – Passed without Amendment

What’s Next in Parliament?

The Senate adjourned at 8:30 P.M to a date to be fixed by the President.

Stay Engaged

This sitting reflects the National Assembly’s continued commitment to strengthening Belize’s legislative framework and advancing critical legislative priorities. The passage of this Bill demonstrates significant progress in the digitization of the registry of births and deaths. Members of the public are encouraged to stay informed, follow proceedings, and access sessional papers, Bills, and Hansards via the Assembly’s official website.