On Wednesday, 3rd June 2026, the Senate convened at 9:07 A.M. in the National Assembly Chamber in Belmopan for a Special Sitting. On the agenda was the swearing-in of two Temporary Senators, the consideration of a proposed legislation, and several Motions.

The Sitting opened with prayers led by Senator Glenfield Dennison, followed by the Oath of Allegiance administered to Temporary Senator Anthony Sylvestre and the Oath of Affirmation administered to Temporary Senator Dr. Elma Kay.

In her announcement, Madam President informed the Honourable Senators that, by a letter dated 25th March 2026, Cabinet’s recommendation had been signified to the Internal Audit Bill, 2026.

BILL BROUGHT FROM THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

ONE (1) Bill was brought from the House of Representatives which was presented by the Leader of Government Business:

  • Internal Audit Bill, 2026.

In accordance with Standing Order No. 49(1), the Leader of Government Business moved that the Bill be taken through all its stages forthwith.  The question was put and agreed to.

MOTIONS RELATING TO THE BUSINESS OR SITTINGS OF THE SENATE

The Leader of Government Business moved that at its rising, the Senate adjourn to a date to be fixed by the President. The question was put and agreed to.

PUBLIC BUSINESS – GOVERNMENT BUSINESS – MOTIONS

FOUR (4) Motions were introduced by the Leader of Government Business:

  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.

This Motion sought the Senate’s approval for the Belize Water Services Limited (BWSL) to borrow US$10 million from the Inter-American Development Bank, supported by a Government Guarantee Agreement, to improve wastewater infrastructure in Caye Caulker, strengthen marine ecosystem resilience, and enhance BWSL’s climate and environmental management capacity.

The Motion was debated and approved.

  1. Resolution Authorizing the Acceptance by Belize of the Amendment to Article VI of the Statute of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Motion, 2026.

This Motion sought the Senate’s authorization for Belize to accept an amendment to Article VI of the IAEA Statute, which expands the composition of the Agency’s Board of Governors to improve equitable geographic representation and reflect evolving regional balances.

  1. Resolution Approving the Re-Appointment of Members of the Integrity Commission Motion, 2026.

This Motion sought the Senate’s approval for the re-appointment of Mrs. Andrea McSweaney-McKoy as Chairperson, along with Mr. Adrian Madrid, Mr. George Swift, Mrs. Zoe Roberson-Zetina, Mr. Ricardo Moguel, Mr. Jaraad Ysaguirre, and Ms. Payal Ghanwani, as Members of the Integrity Commission for a two-year term effective 3rd June 2026.

  1. Resolution Approving the Appointment of a Contractor-General Motion, 2026.

This Motion sought the Senate’s approval for the appointment of Ms. Maria Arthurs as Contractor-General for a three-year term effective 3rd June 2026.

The latter three Motions were referred to the Constitution and Foreign Affairs Committee for examination, consideration, and report.

BILLS FOR SECOND READING

TWO (2) Bills were listed on the agenda.  However, the second reading of the Occupational Safety and Health Bill, 2025, was deferred to a later date.

Meanwhile, the Leader of Government Business moved the second reading of the Internal Audit Bill, 2026. This Bill seeks to establish an Internal Audit Department and Committee to strengthen governance, risk management, accountability, and oversight in the management of public funds, while promoting compliance with legal and professional standards throughout the public sector.

The Bill was debated and read a second time.

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE SENATE

The Senate resolved itself into the Constitution and Foreign Affairs Committee, a Committee of the Whole Senate, to consider the three motions referred to it.

The Committee examined and reported back to the Senate for adoption the following Motions:

  • The Resolution Authorizing the Acceptance by Belize of the Amendment to Article VI of the Statute of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Motion, 2026;
  • The Resolution Approving the Re-Appointment of Members of the Integrity Commission Motion, 2026; and
  • The Resolution Approving the Appointment of a Contractor-General Motion, 2026.

The Senate then resolved into the Committee of the Whole Senate to consider the following Bills, clause by clause:

  • Internal Audit Bill, 2026, which was held in the Committee of the Whole Senate for further examination; and
  • Judges Salaries and Pensions Bill, 2025, which was further considered and approved with amendments.

ADOPTION OF MOTIONS

The Constitution and Foreign Affairs Committee reported on the following THREE (3) Motions for adoption by the Senate:

  • Resolution Authorizing the Acceptance by Belize of the Amendment to Article VI of the Statute of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Motion, 2026;
  • Resolution Approving the Re-Appointment of Members of the Integrity Commission Motion, 2026; and
  • Resolution Approving the Appointment of a Contractor-General Motion, 2026.

REPORTING AND THIRD READING OF BILLS

After the question was put for the third reading of the Judges Salaries and Pensions Bill, 2025, a division was called, and Senators voted on the Bill.  There were 7 Senators who voted “yes” and 6 Senators voted “no”.

The Bill was read a third time and passed with amendments.

ADJOURNMENT

The Senate was adjourned at 10:01 P.M. to a date to be fixed by the President.

STAY ENGAGED

Members of the public are encouraged to follow parliamentary proceedings and access Bills, sessional papers, motions, and Hansards through the National Assembly’s official platforms.