House debates N.H.I., other bills under new speaker
As meetings of the House of Representative go, this one had something for everyone: a number of important bills, spirited but not uncivilised debate and a new Speaker who, although technically a rookie, appears to be running things like a pro.
Ann-Marie Williams, Reporting
“The House meeting started with former president of the Senate, Elizabeth Zabaneh, being nominated as new Speaker of the House. The nomination was made by Prime Minister Said Musa and seconded by Opposition Leader Dean Barrow. Zabaneh succeeds Sylvia Flores.
Elizabeth Zabaneh, Speaker of the House
“I Elizabeth Zabaneh, do swear that I will bear true faith an allegiance to Belize and will uphold the constitution and the law.”
Patty Arceo, Belize Rural South Representative, offered her congratulations.
Patty Arceo, Area Rep., Belize Rural South
“It’s a millions of miles if I may say, for the people of Belize, in particularly for the women.” (Repeats in Spanish)
The stage was now set for questions to ministers.
Dean Barrow, Leader of the Opposition
“Will the Prime Minister say what is the total contract price for the dredging contract his government recently awarded? Why the contract was not put out to tender, and how much is being paid to the David Courtenay owned local company and whether the role of that company in the contract is only as middleman or commission agent?”
Prime Minister Said Musa
“The total sum of the contracts between the Government of Belize and the joint ventured of Hydromar S.A.L. Offshore Limited, and the Jan De Nul Dredging Limited, for the dredging and reclamation works of the Belize City port access channel, and the Haulover Creek entrance, is U.S. eighteen-million, four hundred and three thousand, four hundred dollars. The contract was not the subject of a tender, as the contract offer carried with it unique export credit financing, supported by the government of Belgium.”
Several bills were introduced at today’s sitting, including one from Budget Planning Minister Ralph Fonseca to amend the Environmental Tax Act.
Ralph Fonseca, Min. of Budget Planning
“There will be no more plastic tax, but in its place will be a one percent environmental tax across on the board on all goods entering Belize except medicines and basic food stuffs, which are exempted.”
And another from Human Development Minister Dolores Balderamos Garcia.
Dolores Balderamos Garcia, Min. of Human Development
“For the establishment of a Community Rehabilitation Department; to enlarge the powers of the criminal courts to pass in proper cases non-custodial community sentences to amend the Juvenile Offenders Act, Chapter 119 of the Substantive laws of Belize, revised edition 2000, the Probation of Offenders Act, Chapter 120 of the Substantive Laws of Belize, revised edition 2000, and the Certified Institutions (Children Reformation) Act.”
Five bills had their second reading, among them one for the establishment of a Toledo Development Corporation.
Jorge Espat, Min. of Economic Development
“ESTAP, The Environmental and Social Technical Assistance Project, is a first attempt by the Government of Belize to adopt a holistic approach to regional development. I wish to acknowledge that it was the last UDP government in 1997 that initiated this project. The project was established by the Ministry of Economic Development through an Interamerican Development Bank loan. ESTAP was commissioned to adopt a regional development plan.”
The House proceedings went relatively smooth this morning, at least until Fonseca rose to move the second reading of a bill for an act to amend the Social Security Act to implement the National Health Insurance Scheme.
Ralph Fonseca
“This bill Madam Speaker, is in fulfilment of our election promise and the mandate given to us by the Belizean people, and I quote “to provide all Belizeans access to quality health care services, through a National Health Insurance scheme.” We have undertaken to radically transform the health system, which was on the verge of collapse through years of apathy and neglect.”
Dean Barrow
“The amendments that are proposed, make clear that by way of regulations, the board may with the approval of the minister, require contributions from persons who are employed. That is a change from the bill as it was originally drafted, which said “subject to the provisions of this part, all persons in insurable employment, who on or after the commencement of this act are over the age of fourteen years and under the age of sixty-five years, together with their employers shall pay contributions towards the N.H.I. scheme.” But Madam Speaker, we on this side of the House could sit right here and enjoy the fireworks because fireworks are sure to follow from this. This is going to sound the death knell of the government, not necessarily as I said Madam Speaker because it is a bad thing, but because of the way it has been handled.”
Jose Coye, Min. of Health
“Health is a fundamental right. Every man, woman and child should be entitled to it; as may colleague said, not on the basis of the ability to pay, but on the basis of their need.”
The House meeting adjourned in the Assembly Chamber in Belmopan after 4:00 this evening. Ann-Marie Williams for News 5.
