Parliament in Action: Highlights from the Special Sitting of the Senate October 1st 2026

On Thursday, 1st October 2026, the Senate met for a sitting which commenced at 9:07 A.M. The Sitting began with prayers led by Senator Hector Guerra, followed by announcements by the President of the Senate, who presided over the proceedings.

BILLS BROUGHT FROM THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

FIVE (5) Bills were brought from the House of Representatives and taken charge of by the Leader of Government Business:

1. Domestic and Intimate Partner Violence (Prohibition) Bill, 2026;
2. Development Finance Corporation (Amendment) Bill, 2026;
3. Belize International Financial Services Association (Amendment) Bill, 2026;      
4. Belize Electricity (BEL Subscription Deed) Investments Bill, 2026; and
5. Geographical Indications Bill, 2026.

In accordance with Standing Order 49(1), the Leader of Government Business moved that the Bills be taken through all their stages forthwith. The question was put and agreed to by the Senate.

MOTION 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.

GOVERNMENT BUSINESS – MOTIONS

EIGHT (8) Government Motions were considered during the Sitting.

1. Resolution Authorizing the Ratification by Belize of the Agreement between the Government of Belize and the Government of the Federative Republic of Brazil on Cultural Cooperation Motion, 2026

The Motion concerns the ratification of the Agreement between the Government of Belize and the Government of the Federative Republic of Brazil on Cultural Cooperation, which was signed in Brasília, Brazil, on 26th April 2010.

The Agreement seeks to enhance relations in the cultural realm and promote cultural values, mutual understanding and cooperation between Belize and the Federative Republic of Brazil. Following debate, the Motion was referred to the Constitution and Foreign Affairs Committee for examination, consideration and report.

2. Resolution Authorizing the Ratification by Belize of the Agreement between the Government of Belize and the Government of the Federative Republic of Brazil on Cooperation in the Field of Education Motion, 2026

The Motion concerns the ratification of the Agreement between the Government of Belize and the Government of the Federative Republic of Brazil on Cooperation in the Field of Education, signed in Brasília, Brazil, on 26th April 2010.

The Agreement seeks to enhance cooperation in education and scientific development between Belize and the Federative Republic of Brazil. Following debate, the Motion was referred to the Constitution and Foreign Affairs Committee for examination, consideration and report.

3. Resolution Authorizing the Ratification by Belize of the Protocol Amending Article 84 (Community Rules of Origin) of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas establishing the Caribbean Community including the Caricom Single Market and Economy Motion, 2026

The Motion concerns the ratification of the Protocol Amending Article 84 of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas, which relates to the Community Rules of Origin.

The amendment provides a more flexible approach to changes to Schedule 1 of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas, allowing the Community to respond more efficiently to changes in regional production and trade. Following debate, the Motion was referred to the Constitution and Foreign Affairs Committee for examination, consideration and report.

4. Resolution Authorizing the Ratification by Belize of the Agreement between the Government of Belize and the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan on Exemption from Visa Requirements for Holders of Diplomatic, Official and Service Passports Motion, 2026

The Motion concerns the ratification of the Agreement between the Government of Belize and the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan on Exemption from Visa Requirements for Holders of Diplomatic, Official and Service Passports, signed in New York on 14th December 2022.

The Agreement provides for holders of valid diplomatic, official and service passports to be exempt from visa requirements for entry, exit, transit and stay in the territory of the other Party for up to 30 days. Following debate, the Motion was referred to the Constitution and Foreign Affairs Committee for examination, consideration and report.

5. International Development Association – Belize Early Childhood Development and Female Empowerment Project (US$23.5 Million) – Loan Motion, 2026

The Motion concerns proposed concessional loan financing of US$23.5 million from the International Development Association (IDA) to support the Belize Early Childhood Development and Female Empowerment Project.

The Project seeks to improve access to quality early childhood care and education and expand female employment opportunities, while also supporting early childhood facilities, practitioner development, system capacity and related services. The Motion was debated and the question on the Resolution was put to the Senate and agreed to.

6. Inter-American Development Bank – Contingent Loan for Natural Disaster and Public Health Emergencies – (US$25 Million) – Loan Motion, 2026

The Motion concerns a US$25 million contingent loan from the Inter-American Development Bank to support Belize in responding to severe or catastrophic natural disasters and public health emergencies.

The financing is intended to strengthen fiscal resilience and provide access to financing when eligible emergencies occur. The Motion was debated and the question on the Resolution was put to the Senate and agreed to.

7. CARICOM Development Fund – School Development Fund for Corozal and Cayo – (US$3 Million) Loan Motion, 2026

The Motion concerns US$3 million in loan financing from the CARICOM Development Fund to support the School Development Fund for Corozal and Cayo.

The Project supports the development of safe, inclusive and climate-resilient school infrastructure, including construction, furnishing and equipping of classrooms, learning materials, teacher and staff capacity development, community engagement and related activities. The Motion was debated and the question on the Resolution was put to the Senate and agreed to.

8. Inter–American Development Bank – Support to Civil Service Modernization Project – (US$8 Million) Loan Motion, 2026

The Motion concerns US$8 million in loan financing from the Inter-American Development Bank to support the Civil Service Modernization Project.

The Project seeks to improve the efficiency of the Central Government’s wage bill and strengthen the strategic management of public-sector employment, including expenditure control, workforce planning, digital transformation, data analytics and institutional capacity. The Motion was debated and the question on the Resolution was put to the Senate and agreed to.

BILLS FOR SECOND READING

FIVE (5) Bills were read a second time:

1. Domestic and Intimate Partner Violence (Prohibition) Bill, 2026

The Bill seeks to recognise the right of all persons to live free of domestic violence and intimate partner violence; expand the powers of the court to make orders to support survivors; increase accessibility to justice services; fulfil Belize’s commitments under international conventions concerning freedom from violence; repeal the Domestic Violence Act, Chapter 178 of the Substantive Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2020; and provide for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.

2. Development Finance Corporation (Amendment) Bill, 2026

The Bill seeks to amend the Development Finance Corporation Act, Chapter 279 of the Substantive Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2020; rename the Development Finance Corporation; and provide for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.

3. Belize International Financial Services Association (Amendment) Bill, 2026

The Bill seeks to amend the Belize International Financial Services Association Act, Chapter 273 of the Substantive Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2020; change the name of the Act to the Belize Financial Industry Association Act; change the name of the Association to the Belize Financial Industry Association; and provide for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.

4. Belize Electricity (BEL Subscription Deed) Investments Bill, 2026

The Bill seeks to authorise and give effect to a preference share Subscription Deed for the acquisition by the Government of Belize of 8,138,020 Convertible Redeemable Preference Shares in Belize Electricity Limited.

It also provides for the Consolidated Revenue Fund to be charged with and authorises payment of the purchase price, authorises the Financial Secretary to make the payment, and provides for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.

5. Geographical Indications Bill, 2026

The Bill seeks to provide for the registration and protection of geographical indications and provide for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE SENATE ON MOTIONS AND BILLS

Following consideration of the Motions and second readings of the Bills, the Senate resolved itself into the Constitution and Foreign Affairs Committee, a Committee of the whole Senate, to consider the four Motions referred to it. Thereafter, the Senate resolved itself into the Committee of the Whole Senate to consider the Bills that had been read a second time. The President took the Chair as Chairperson of the respective Committees.

Constitution and Foreign Affairs Committee

The Committee considered the following four Motions:

1. Resolution Authorizing the Ratification by Belize of the Agreement between the Government of Belize and the Government of the Federative Republic of Brazil on Cultural Cooperation Motion, 2026;
2. Resolution Authorizing the Ratification by Belize of the Agreement between the Government of Belize and the Government of the Federative Republic of Brazil on Cooperation in the Field of Education Motion, 2026;
3. Resolution Authorizing the Ratification by Belize of the Protocol Amending Article 84 (Community Rules of Origin) of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas establishing the Caribbean Community including the Caricom Single Market and Economy Motion, 2026;
4. Resolution Authorizing the Ratification by Belize of the Agreement between the Government of Belize and the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan on Exemption from Visa Requirements for Holders of Diplomatic, Official and Service Passports Motion, 2026.

Following consideration, each Motion was reported back to the Senate for adoption.

Committee of the Whole Senate – Bills

The Committee considered the Bills clause by clause:

1. Domestic and Intimate Partner Violence (Prohibition) Bill, 2026;
2. Development Finance Corporation (Amendment) Bill, 2026;
3. Belize International Financial Services Association (Amendment) Bill, 2026;
4. Belize Electricity (BEL Subscription Deed) Investments Bill, 2026;
5. Geographical Indications Bill, 2026. (Remained in the Committee of the Whole Senate)

ADOPTION OF MOTIONS

Upon the Senate’s resumption, the four Motions considered by the Constitution and Foreign Affairs Committee were brought back for adoption.

The Senate adopted resolutions authorizing:

1. Resolution Authorizing the Ratification by Belize of the Agreement between the Government of Belize and the Government of the Federative Republic of Brazil on Cultural Cooperation Motion, 2026.
2. Resolution Authorizing the Ratification by Belize of the Agreement between the Government of Belize and the Government of the Federative Republic of Brazil on Cooperation in the Field of Education Motion, 2026.
3. Resolution Authorizing the Ratification by Belize of the Protocol Amending Article 84 (Community Rules of Origin) of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas establishing the Caribbean Community including the Caricom Single Market and Economy Motion, 2026.                                                                                                              
4. Resolution Authorizing the Ratification by Belize of the Agreement between the Government of Belize and the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan on Exemption from Visa Requirements for Holders of Diplomatic, Official and Service Passports Motion, 2026.

The questions were put and agreed to in each case.

REPORTING AND THIRD READING OF BILLS

Following consideration by the Committee of the Whole Senate, FOUR (4) Bills were reported back to the Senate and read a third time:

1. Domestic and Intimate Partner Violence (Prohibition) Bill, 2026, without amendments;
2. Development Finance Corporation (Amendment) Bill, 2026, without amendments;
3. Belize International Financial Services Association (Amendment) Bill, 2026, without amendments; and
4. Belize Electricity (BEL Subscription Deed) Investments Bill, 2026, without amendments.

The questions for third reading were put and agreed to for each Bill.

ADJOURNMENT

The Senate adjourned at 7:47 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, Motions, Committee reports, Sessional Papers and Hansards through the National Assembly’s official platforms.