The Senate met in Belmopan today, likely for the last time in 2018. It had the task of passing five bills brought from the House of Representatives and four motions. One of the topics of contention at today's Senate sitting was the $5 million Government has asked to obtain from national coffers to pay off a most sour sweetheart deal. In short, Glenn D. Godfrey - in the name of a company called GDG Acquisitions - sued the government on the strength of a 2002 master lease agreement. It's a contract Intelco signed with Government to supply telecommunications equipment. Now, never mind that the equipment never really worked and the company went south; the agreement still stands, and government has to pay. But those on the Government side wanted their Senate Opposition colleagues to do what those in the House would not on Friday: Say sorry.
Mark Lizarraga, Senator - Business Community
"It is unfortunate again that we are not privy to these commitments made on our behalf, so that we have input into them before they are signed. None of us have exclusive knowledge on anything, including the good attorneys who we've seen have contributed significantly to our losses. I'm saying the Belizean people have suffered of one simple fact, that we have not properly seen, debated these contracts before we get into them, before any government gets into them. So Attorney General, this is why when the honorable leader of business was sitting here, he would make the same call and this is why I continue to make the same call. If you don't have anything to hide, why don't you bring it to light? We are paying today as we've paid in many other instances because of these things that were not brought to light and I would hope that we would learn from it and that we would improve as promised. Remember, this was the government that was going to bring accountability and transparency. So we continue to make the call and this is a good example of why we made that call and continue to make the call."
Mike Peyrefitte, UDP Senator
"Where is all the bluster? Where is all the excitement? Where is the grandstanding Senator Lizarraga? This is the shortest speech you have made in the history of the senate. I am telling you it's the shortest speech in the history of the senate. Sir, this is a contract that was signed in 2002 by the PUP. So don't come with that. This is another case. You let me down Mr. President and I would suggest for the six PUPs to not say anything about this contract."
Mark Lizarraga, Senator - Business Community
"Mr. President, on a point if order. I mean please, you done have your time in the political realm."
Lee Mark Chan, President
"What's was the point of order?"
Mark Lizarraga, Senator - Business Community
"That was uncalled for. Casting aspersions."
Lee Mark Chan, President
"What's was the point of order?"
Mark Lizarraga, Senator - Business Community
"Why would he need to say that "there are 6 PUPs in this place."?"
Mike Peyrefitte, UDP Senator
"I did not say that. I said the 6 PUPs. My grandpa use to have a saying "the hog that got lick bawl." I didn't call your name. I didn't say anything."
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