Today, January 30, 2017, the Senate convened in the Chamber of the National Assembly Building , Belmopan, for a Special Sitting. At the commencement of this Special Sitting, a milestone was reached in Belize’s Political History as the thirteenth Senator, the Honourable Osmany Salas was sworn in as Senator for the Non-Governmental Organizations Community.

As well, temporary Senator, Mr. Rufino Lin, took his Oath of Allegiance, as he sat in on the absence of Senator Markhelm Lizarraga, who represents the Business Community.

After the Senators had debated the Central Bank of Belize (International Immunities) Bill, 2017; a division was called by Senator Michael Peyrefitte and the result was that all Senators voted “yes”. As well, Senator Peyrefitte called another division on the Crown Proceedings (Amendment) Bill, 2017; all Senators voted “yes”.

At the end, 1 Motion and 4 Bills were passed. They are:

MOTION

  1. Re-Appointment of Ombudsman Motion, 2017.

BILLS

  1. International Insurance (Amendment) Bill, 2017; and
  2. Forest (Amendment) Bill, 2017;
  3. Central Bank of Belize (International Immunities) Bill, 2017; and
  4. Crown Proceedings (Amendment) Bill, 2017.

The Special Sitting of the Senate began at 10:08 A.M. and was adjourned at 1:33 P.M.