Govt., labour appoint Senators

Over the weekend the Belize Civil Society Movement selected their candidate for Senator at the organisation’s annual general meeting. According to a press release, forty-three year old Rene Gomez was chosen to represent the National Trade Union Congress of Belize and the Belize Civil Society Movement in the new Senate. Gomez, a father of four from Orange Walk town, has worked as an officer of the Belize Worker’s Union and with the N.T.U.C.B. To assist the new Senator with his responsibilities, an advisory committee was also elected by the members in attendance. Meanwhile, today in Belmopan the Prime Minister announced his appointments to the Senate. They are returning members Dickie Bradley, Eamon Courtenay and Barry Bowen, along with Therese Rath, Vincent Parks and Patricia Lopez. Senate President is Attorney Philip Zuniga. News 5 understands that all thirteen Senators will be officially sworn in on April fourth at the ceremonial opening of the National Assembly in Belmopan. The breakdown of the new Senate is six P.U.P., three U.D.P., one representing the trade unions and civil society, one chosen by the Council of Churches, and one selected by the business community.