On Tuesday, 4th August 2026, the Senate met in the National Assembly Chamber in Belmopan for a Special Sitting. The Sitting started at 9:15 A.M. with prayers led by Senator Brittney Galvez, followed by announcements from the President of the Senate, Honourable Carolyn Trench-Sandiford, who presided over the meeting.
OATH OF ALLEGIANCE OF NEW SENATORS
The Clerk administered the Oath and Affirmation of Allegiance to two temporary Senators, Senator Collet Montejo and Senator Dr. Elma Kay.
BILLS BROUGHT FROM THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
TWO (2) Bills were brought from the House of Representatives. The Leader of Government Business took charge of the Caribbean Community (Free Movement and Contingent Rights) Bill, 2026, and deferred the National Health Insurance Authority Bill, 2026, to a later date.
In accordance with Standing Order 49(1), the Leader of Government Business moved that the Caribbean Community (Free Movement and Contingent Rights) Bill, 2026, be taken through all its stages forthwith; the question was put, and the Senate agreed.
PAPERS
SEVEN (7) Sessional Papers were laid on the Table by the Leader of Government Business as follows:
- 41/1/15 – Supplies Control (Prices) (Amendment) (No. 9) Regulations, 2026;
- 42/1/15 – Supplies Control (Prices) (Amendment) (No. 10) Regulations, 2026;
- 43/1/15 – Supplies Control (Prices) (Amendment) (No. 11) Regulations, 2026;
- 44/1/15 – Supplies Control (Prices) (Amendment) (No. 12) Regulations, 2026;
- 45/1/15 – Supplies Control (Prices) (Amendment) (No. 13) Regulations, 2026;
- 46/1/15 – Electricity Licensing and Consent Regulations, 2026; and
- 47/1/15 – Report of the Auditor General for the Year April 2016 to March 2017.
PRESENTATION OF REPORT FROM SELECT COMMITTEE
ONE (1) Report was presented and ordered to lie on the Table, which was from Senator Rozel Arana on behalf of Senator Janelle Chanona:
- 48/1/15 – The Second Report of the Women’s Parliamentary Caucus for the period January 2026 to June 2026.
MOTION RELATING TO THE BUSINESS OR SITTINGS OF THE SENATE
The Leader of Government Business moved a motion that, at its rising, the Senate adjourn to a date to be fixed by the President. The question was put, and the motion was approved.
BILLS FOR SECOND READING
TWO (2) Bills were read a second time:
Occupational Safety and Health Bill, 2026
This Bill seeks to establish the National Occupational Safety and Health Advisory Committee and the Occupational Safety and Health Inspectorate; to provide for improved standards for the occupational safety and health of workers and other persons at work; to provide for the duties and obligations of employers, workers, self-employed persons, manufacturers, suppliers, installers, and inspectors; and to repeal the Factories Act.
The Leader of Government Business informed the Senate that the debate on the Bill had been suspended on Tuesday, 28th April 2026, and then moved the second reading of the Bill; the Bill was debated, and thereafter the Bill was read a second time.
Caribbean Community (Free Movement and Contingent Rights) Bill, 2026
This Bill seeks to give effect to the decision of the Heads of Government of CARICOM to authorise nationals of the participating Member States to enter, re-enter, and remain freely within Belize in accordance with the provisions of the Protocol on Enhanced Cooperation.
Following the debate, the Bill was read a second time.
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE SENATE ON BILLS
Following the debates and the second readings of the Bills, the Senate resolved itself into a Committee of the Whole Senate, in accordance with Standing Order 54, with the President taking the Chair as Chairperson of the Committee, to consider the following Bills, clause by clause:
- Occupational Safety and Health Bill, 2026; and
- Caribbean Community (Free Movement and Contingent Rights) Bill, 2026.
REPORTING AND THIRD READING OF BILLS
Following the reporting from the Committee of the Whole Senate, TWO (2) Bills were read a third time and passed by the Senate:
- Occupational Safety and Health Bill, 2026 (with amendments); and
- Caribbean Community (Free Movement and Contingent Rights) Bill, 2026 (without amendment).
ADJOURNMENT
The Senate adjourned at 3:10 PM 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.
