Janelle Chanona Reappointed As NGO Senator

Belize’s Network of NGOs has officially endorsed Janelle Chanona to continue as its representative in the Senate. According to a release from BNN, they invited nominations from organizations in good standing, as recognized by the Belize Companies and Corporate Affairs Registry. With no new nominations and multiple endorsements for Chanona, she was chosen to maintain her Senate position. Chanona has been serving as the NGO senator since 2022. Today, we spoke with her about her reappointment.

 

Janelle Chanona, NGO Senator

“I think it is really gratitude and acknowledgment from the registered NGOs in good standing and really just being grateful for the opportunity to serve as their voice of power in the corners of power. We are really trying in every way shape and form to reiterate our commitment to collaboration to pooling resources, our voices, strengths and really making sure that pays dividends particularly for marginalized people, specifically Belizeans on a whole.”

 

Paul Lopez

“Will difference will you bring to the Senate in terms of your approach this time around.”

 

Janelle Chanona

“Well if you remember I came in 2022 following the resignation of the previous senator. We are committed to  good governance agenda. NGOs have said we are held to a certain standard as NGOs. We have been speaking this morning at length about accountability and transparency and NGOs are among those groups held to the highest account and responsibility. We need to see that reflected. What we are witnessing beyond the attacks on freedom and justice and liberty everyday, perhaps on rights we took for granted, seeing a commitment to protecting those rights and enhancing those rights moving forward. But, also to call for the type of leadership we know we deserve.”