House meeting Friday - you know when you hear that in the headlines, you can expect all kinds of grown man antics in the news: from low down insults, to high minded malice - because, let's be real, the House of Representatives is not so much about robust debate as it is about getting in deep digs against the other side. But, for one day every 5 years or so, all that parliamentary hostility is put aside to turn a new leaf, swear in a new set of members, or at least old members with a new mandate, and get underway on a clean sheet. That's what happened in Belmopan today for the summoning of the 12th National assembly of Belize and 7News was there to give you a front row seat:...
Jules Vasquez reporting
Prime Minister Dean Barrow coolly strolled up to the stairs of Independence hall - he'd been here twice before - and the third time seemed to be his most relaxed. After taking his seat as the head of parliament the opposition arrived a little late to the swearing in party. But in time to see the Prime Minister and the Deputy fetch the speaker.
Hon. Dean Barrow, Prime Minister
"When we all went to escort the speaker to his chair, he suggested that we carry him."
After the taking of oaths by both sides they welcomed the Governor General to give the throne speech - to outline the government's plan for the next five years:
Sr. Colville Young, Governor General
"While it marks the 5th administration of the United Democratic Party, it is also the first time in post-independent Belize that a political party has been elected to 3 consecutive terms in office."
"The foundation is laid. The table is set and the best is yet to come."
And government says a foundation will also be laid on Sarstoon Island:
Sr. Colville Young, Governor General
"Because preservation of our territorial integrity remains our foremost preoccupation, my government will also build the forward operating base on the north bank of the Sarstoon River."
After the Governor General's departure, the Prime Minister used his address to say thanks to the electorate.
Hon. Dean Barrow, Prime Minister
"I am sure that I talk for each member of the house, each senator for the clerk and Mr. Speaker and the honorable president when I say to all Belizeans simply and sincerely thank you. The party banners are being lowered and the poster colors of red and blue and green will soon fade and as we put away the paraphernalia of one "P" it is time to embrace that other "P" - the "P" we should value most. The "P" that stands for the people. All of us red and blue are elected to look after the interest of our constituents, not our own and as we focused on the future, these are the questions we must ask ourselves. Into what conditions are our children being born? How are they to be nurtured in their early years? Will they have access to the best schools and the best teachers? What jobs and pay will their parents received? Are their communities getting safer and more productive? Will their grandparents retire with dignity and respect? And will these children inherit a nation of patriots ready to sacrifice all in the defence of national sovereignty?"
As you may have noticed, the spirit of the ceremonial event was dampened by a downpour which persisted throughout the Prime Minister's speech.
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