[ad_1]
The Senate met today at the National Assembly in Belmopan to debate several bills, which concluded after 5:20 this evening. The agenda included debates on the Fiscal Incentives Amendment Bill, the Southern Deepwater Port Development Facility Bill, the Millennium Challenge Account Belize Authority (MCC) Bill, the National Security Council Bill, the Insurance Amendment Bill, the Anti-Sexual Harassment Bill, and the Persons with Disabilities Bill. One of the first orders of business for the day was for the Senate to pass a resolution requiring Belize to ratify the Latin American and Caribbean Space Agency (ALCE) Convention after it signs it in May 2024. The convention is intended to allow for the regional exchange of experiences regarding satellite monitoring of environmental conditions and hydro-meteorological risks. Leader of Government Business, Senator Eamon Courteney, spoke about the purpose of the regional body and how it will benefit Belize.
Eamon Courtenay, Senator, Head of Government Business: “Twenty-one countries in Latin America and the Caribbean have signed the agreement. Antigua, Argentina, Bolivia, Belize, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominica, Ecuador, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Dominican Republic, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Saint Lucia, Venezuela. We are delighted to join this distinguished group of countries. Madam President, the purpose of this existing organization is to use space and satellite technology to harness information to enable planning so that people can avoid disasters, be prepared for disasters, get information about soils, terrain, understand the forests we have, improve our ability to increase agricultural production, and therefore protect our forests. There is absolutely no downside to us joining ALSE. The benefits will accrue to Belize and the people of Belize. There is currently no cost to Belize. If there is to be a cost, it will be minimal. This information is already being shared among existing member states. Mexico and other countries that have spearheaded this initiative are also willing to share this information with those of us that do not have access to, the capacity and the resources to purchase satellites. So, Madam Chair, this is another step by the Government of Belize to provide relevant and timely information to the people of Belize.”
Opposition Senator Michael Peyrefitte questioned whether Belize’s financial commitment to the plan was worth it. He called on the government to provide details on the cost of joining the convention.
Opposition Senator Michael Peyrefitte: “Space! What are you going to do in space? Madam President, this government can’t even finish building a coastal road, and did you know that we signed a treaty to go into space and coordinate with satellites? Madam President, as far as I know, space technology is the most expensive technology before oil exploration technology. I would like to hear from the Secretary of State, Senator Coe, if I may, how much is this going to cost us. Because space is not cheap, space is expensive, and if you look at the signed agreement, when you look at Article 3, it talks about the financial obligations of the member states from this convention, which shall come into force for each member state. But what financial obligations? What? How much is this so-called space technology going to cost the country every year? I saw something about preventing natural disasters and things like that, but listen, if we can get technology that can prevent hurricanes, go ahead. Is that what we are doing? What is our exposure in terms of sharing satellite equipment? Is Belize’s technology available from Mexico? Madam President, Mexico is our friend, but what I want to say is, what is our exposure when you use this technology? What are the specific agreements and terms of reference that we will sign? Do they have access to our telecommunications equipment and information? We don’t know. We don’t know, Madam President.”
The resolution has been passed and will return to the Senate for consideration.
[ad_2]
Source link
