10 Senators Appointed; Opposition Senators Appointment Outstanding

Tonight, there’s still no official word on the appointment of the three United Democratic Party senators. Over the past two weeks, the Government of Belize has appointed its six senators, and the church, NTUCB, NGO community, and business community have all made their selections. Here’s a summary of all the Senate appointments made so far and the ones we’re still waiting for. It’s been nearly two weeks since the March eleventh general elections, and the People’s United Party (PUP) along with the social partners have swiftly appointed ten senators to represent them in the Upper House. However, there are still a few spots that need to be filled.

 

The PUP appointed senators include:

• Senior Counsel Eamon Courtenay who is returning as the Lead Senator for Government Business
• Christopher Coye is returning as the Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance.
• Linsford Castillo has acted as a temporary senator and now he assumes a permanent role in the Senate. Castillo is also the People’s United Party’s Secretary General.
• Hector Guerra is an attorney-at-law described as a young and ambitious individual with strong leadership qualities.
• Rosel Arana and Brittney Galvez are the latest women to join the ranks. They’re set to bring a powerful voice for women and youth to parliament.

 

On the side of the Social Partners:

• The Church has appointed Louis Wade Jr. to take over from Moses Benguche. Wade, who owns Plus TV and serves as a pastor at an evangelical church in Belmopan, is stepping into this new role.
• The NTUCB has reappointed Glenfield Denison as its senator
• The Business Community has reaffirmed its trust in Kevin Herrera, who expressed his gratitude for the continued confidence placed in him

 

Meanwhile, Janelle Chanona is back as the 13th Senator representing the NGO community, following a second endorsement. One of her notable achievements in parliament includes chairing the recently concluded Senate Select Special Committee Inquiry into the Portico Definitive Agreement.

This brings the total number of appointed senators to ten. But why has the United Democratic Party delayed in announcing its three Senate representatives? Is there unrest brewing? Party Leader Tracy Taegar-Panton has assured that the names will be revealed as soon as they’re finalized. We’re awaiting the announcement of those appointments.