Busy first House meeting of the Briceño era: Eight Bills and two motions to be debated

By Aaron Humes: In vastly different conditions than most of them left behind in October, the lower chamber of the National Assembly begins its legislative process anew.

Eight Bills, including a ninth Amendment to the Constitution, and two motions are up for debate.

As Prime Minister and Minister of Finance John Briceño signaled late last year, two supplementary appropriations to the General Revenue and Appropriations Act 2020-21 will be presented.

The Constitutional amendment deals with provision for additional grounds for the removal of a judge, coupled with a new bill limiting the time in which a judge in civil and appeal matters shall give his decision.

The Central Bank of Belize is to be empowered to provide for emergency programs and facilities in unusual and exigent economic, financial or systemic circumstances; and a  Contingencies Fund will be established under the Finance and Audit (Reform) Act.

A Public Contracts Commission will be established to monitor the award and implementation of public contracts.

And the Public Health Act will be amended to expand the definition of infectious disease  and dangerous infectious disease; increase penalties for violations and provide for violation tickets.

The motions deal with a pledge to establish good governance and the establishment of George Price’s birthday and Emancipation Day as public and bank holidays.

More from the National Assembly as it happens.

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