FOPREL is an abbreviation for the Forum of Presiding Officers of National Parliaments of Central America and the Caribbean basin. That's the organization in which the leaders of parliament from 10 Countries, mostly Central American, discuss shared challenges, including transnational organized crime.
New House Speaker Laura Longsworth now represents Belize in that body. And, at the end of February, she'll assume the rotating presidency of FOPREL. She takes over from the leader of Guatemala's parliament. Today, a senior executive of FOPREL's Permanent Secretariat came to Belize to meet with her and Senate President Lee Mark Chang. They were discussing what it would mean when Belize assumes the presidency.
Our 7News team stopped by to speak with the House Speaker, the President and the FOPREL Representative. Here's what they told us:
Dr. Santiago Leclair - Permanent Secretary, FOPREL
"On this occasion, we have visited Belize since the parliament of Belize correspond to assume the pro-temporary presidency of our forum. There are 10 parliaments that we have."
Hon. Laura Longsworth - Speaker of the House
"It's great to be in this meeting, meeting the FOPREL executive group to discuss Belize's participation in FOPREL. We have always been on there, the former Speaker represented the organization, and also the President of the Senate."
"What is important for us in Belize is that we maintain a presence. It offers an opportunity to collaborate with our Central and South American colleague on common issues having to do with country development, border issues, health issues, gender issues, and so on. And I think that it is very important for us to look at ways to harmonize our situations, some of our laws, and so on, to work with our Central American colleagues. So, I think it is a great idea; I think ti is a great opportunity for us to take over as Pro-temp Leader."
"It's an exciting time to become the Speaker."
Hon. Lee Mark Chang - President of the Senate
"Between myself and Michael Peyrefitte, the ex-Speaker, we have been representing Belize at these functions. Also, we're gathering information, and also meeting with the Heads of Congress in all these respected countries. So, it's about trading ideas, and also bringing back information and new stuff to Belize."
Hon. Laura Longsworth
"I think it is important because we do a lot with CARICOM, but we're situated in Central America. So, it's a great opportunity for us to become more acquainted with our neighbors, and for them to understand us."
The House Speaker and the Senate President will attend a meeting on February 24 to for the formal handing over process. That will take place at FOPREL's Headquarters in Managua, Nicaragua. This will be the second time Belize gets to lead this organization. Former Senate President Andrea Gill was the first, and she took over in 2008.
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