Senator Chanona Appointed to Chair Special Select Committee
Janelle Chanona
A date for the senate inquiry is yet to be determined, but tonight NGO Senator Janelle Chanona has been officially named the chairperson of the Senate’s Special Select Committee. The working group has been appointed to investigate all documents tied to the signing of the Portico Definitive Agreement dated October first, 2020. The committee is also tasked with investigating all paperwork related to the presentation of that agreement, along with draft legislation to Cabinet. The first meeting was held on Tuesday where a decision to appoint Senator Chanona as its chair was taken. Senators Isabel Bennett-Moody and Bevington Cal have been appointed to the committee on the advice of the Prime Minister. Senator Beverly Williams has been appointed on the advice of the Leader of the Opposition. Additionally, senators Elena Smith, Bishop Alvin Benguche, and Kevin Herrera have also been appointed. This afternoon, we caught up with Senator Chanona in Belmopan and asked her about the next steps in the investigation.
Janelle Chanona, Chairperson, Senate Special Select Committee
“Yes the members have asked me to lead on this but truly we will be guided throughout by the terms of references set on the motion that was passed by the Senate and we will do so within the powers and procedures set out in the constitution as per the functions of the Senate in conducting inquiries of this nature.”
Paul Lopez
“When can we expect for these hearings to begin?”
Janelle Chanona
“We are certainly minded to work as expeditiously as possible. All senators has expressed we really want to get this started and through, working towards recommendations. It was clear that we have a tradition to break so to speak. We don’t want our report on this matter to sit on a shelf, we want that it can be acted upon and that it proves meaningful. And that is really the mandate we are working towards and of course we will be keeping the public up to date on everything that we can in terms of scheduling etc.”
Paul Lopez
“On Monday the Prime Minister indicated on a morning show or accused you of not being the person to write this motion or that you have ghostwriter per say for this motion, how do you respond?”
Janelle Chanona
“The Prime Minister is entitled to his opinion. The facts remain that the independent social partner senators got together, wrote the motion and submitted it and it was passed unopposed by the senate.”
Paul Lopez
“Can you say if the prime minister would be among those who will be called?”
Janelle Chanona
“I cannot say at this time.”
