And finally, tonight to today's Senate Meeting. There was robust debate to the changes in the taxes on land transactions by foreigners. Here's the back and forth on that divisive issue:
Rare Praise For PM From Business Senator
And while the Senators disagree on the effect that this amendment may have on the real estate sector, they were a lot more bipartisan when the Economic Development Council Bill was tabled in the Upper House today.
This is an advisory body that has been embraced for years by Prime Minister Dean Barrow to discuss ways to strengthen the economy from the private sectors' perspective. This law intends to ensure that the EDC will have institutional longevity. So today, Business Senator Mark Lizarraga, who is usually opposed to the Government, congratulated the Barrow Administration on the decision to enshrine it:
Hon. Mark Lizarraga, Business Senator
"Today the business community is pleased that after many years we have finally gotten a piece of legislation, although not perfect. Don't get too happy."
"Madam President as you know the economic councils or competitiveness councils and such have been promoted in these societies when we talk about reforms. This is nothing new. We started back from when the Hon. Godwin Hulse was with the Chamber. I think at the time they made a try for national business council. It evolve over the years to finally where we are today and economic development council. But I'd like to say and think that this is the baby of the chamber. Let us call it what it is. This the chamber's baby and Godwin's baby. It was birthed in the chamber and it started really and I want to make mention with the Hon. Godwin Hulse, Leader of Government Business. I'd like to begin by commending this government for formally instituting the EDC."
Hon. Osmany Salas, Senator Representing NGO's
"It's not intended to be a political party mechanism, so I understand and I support why it should be enshrine into law. So whichever party is in power, such an EDC should be in place to serve as a think tank, as advisory body for the Prime Minister and so I think it is important. The composition is very important and the whole purpose of that is to have equal seats public sector rep equal numbers as the private sector representation."
Email
Print