H.O.R. debates terrorism, money laundering, liquor
While today’s sitting of the House of Representatives was by all accounts routine, certainly the topics up for discussion weren’t. Today bills regarding terrorism, money laundering and liquor were ordered to lie on the table, and without much surprise, became the subject of debate. First up was the new law on terrorism, a subject which has vaulted into top priority since September eleventh.
Dean Barrow, Leader of the Opposition
“Members of the bench Madam Speaker, have served notice on the executive that this will not do. Why then pass a law that not only interferes with constitutional liberties, that not only makes a mockery of ought to be due process in terms of law-making power that this National Assembly has. But with respect to which those in judicial authority have already indicated, will not be able to stand. Are we so determined to satisfy the instructions of our masters from abroad that we will throw out the window, considerations with respect to public opinion, to human rights and constitutional liberties here at home.”
Prime Minister Said Musa
“This is not an all embracing thing that any resolution of the UN that this law is talking about. Of course not, it is dealing with the enforcement provisions of Chapter seven of the charter. …Simply because you’ve been caught off guard, doesn’t mean now you want to have a second bite Honourable Leader. You should have read the bill carefully to realise that it is confined to an enforcement provision of the Security Council.”
With a growing offshore financial sector, Belize becomes more susceptible to money laundering activity, so partnering the anti-terrorism law, is a statute aimed at granting certain powers to government. For instance, under the new law, the Central Bank would be able to freeze finances, something the Opposition is calling a violation of the constitution.
Dean Barrow
“Section three of the bill, “May instruct any financial institution to take such actions as may be appropriate, including the freezing of funds and other financial assets or economic resources of any person or entity, to facilitate any investigation, prosecution or proceeding for a money laundering offence, whether in Belize or elsewhere.”
First of all Madam Speaker, all of a sudden now we’re passing laws with extra territorial effect. Again, perhaps…you know I listened to the Prime Minister, maybe he’s been too long out of practice. And he should make that sort of disclosure when he begins to talk about laws. Our constitution guards against this and I am saying with the full authority of my years in practice, that this is without a doubt, unconstitutional.”
Prime Minister Said Musa
“When we’re dealing with the national security of Belize and issues of money laundering, we should not allow loop holes to exist which can affect the national security of our country. this bill will first of all, yes provide the supervisory authority with the power to temporarily freeze funds and financial assets of any person to facilitate the investigation, prosecution and so on for money laundering offence. However, as the leader of the opposition rightly concedes, every such order shall cease to have effect after three days, unless within that period the supervisory authority goes to court. Within seventy-two hours, the bank has to apply to the court to validate the freezing, otherwise the monies would be released. This is how we balance the right of the individual with the national security interest of the state Madam Speaker.”
But while the terrorism and money laundering acts will have to wait until the next sitting of the House to become law, one other piece of legislation went through its three readings today. Amendments to the liquor licensing act includes crack downs on things like public drinking and the illegal sale of alcohol to minors, and increase in fees.
Dean Barrow
“In every single respect they are raising these fees, in most cases, more than one hundred percent. That, is what this bill is about, and that is why it had to be rushed through all stages, another example of the unbearable taxation that this government is levelling on business and individuals.”
Vildo Marin
“What this act is doing, is just strengthening what exists madam speaker, that this government is very serious about dampening the use of alcohol and cigarettes amongst our young people. The fact that the rates have increased madam speaker, is not as a result of a tax measure. It is as a result of trying to lessen the number of establishments that are operating right now within the country. And in so doing, enable our Police Department to police the law more efficiently, and to regulate the misuse of alcohol amongst our young people.”
