AIDS commission to be expanded

Aside from the bill to amend the Business Tax Act to increase taxes on telecoms and the PICs, which were the big items at last Friday’s House meeting, several other bills were introduced, including one to amend the Belize National AIDS Commission Act. This change would make way for the appointment of an Executive Director and enlarge the members of the Commission. It is not yet known who has been tipped as the Executive Director but the new Commission will be expanded to include a nominee by the Opposition, a representative from the UN theme group on HIV/AIDS and a person with HIV/AIDS. Other bills introduced included three to strengthen financial controls and accountability in the Belize City Council, the Belmopan City Fund and the remaining town councils.