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Janelle Chanona, Chair - Special Select Committee
"Your committee will not shy away from using its powers under the law to ensure that those witnesses whom the committee has determined can share pertinent information appear before the committee. I want to highlight that those powers, as they exist now, are quite draconian and we do not use that word lightly."

"It is quite draconian and we really and truly do not want to have to resort to such mechanisms even though we are reminded that those draconian powers are being applied to Belizeans today by the courts."

"We really do not want to use those draconian measures until absolutely we have no choice and it is a measure of last resort."

And while the Committee has been talking verbal abuse from politicians and personalities with allegations about bias, she also said that has to stop

Janelle Chanona, Chair - Special Select Committee
"Take this opportunity on behalf of the committee to highlight to any witnesses, anyone in writing or verbal that would seek to defame, slander, or libel any member of this committee. The committee will not be bullied or intimidated into not using its powers to ensure that that does not happen and that if it does happen that we will take every action empowered under the law to defend itself against any such accusations."

Chanona also asserted the Chair's authority when she shut down the attorney for today's other witness, Sanjay Hothandani. Yohanseh Cave appeared for him but Chanona would not let him get a word in edgewise:

Janelle Chanona, Chair - Special Select Committee
"No, just Mr. Hothandani. That has been the protocol we established, so we cannot give you privileges that we have not afforded others, so that... Sorry, Mr. Cave."

Yohanseh Cave, Attorney
"As it pleases you, Madam Chief."

Janelle Chanona, Chair
"It does not please me, sir."

"Please, I have just outlined that we have asked Mr. Hothandani to be here. We will be getting responses from Mr. Hothandani. You are here to consult him."

Yohanseh Cave, Attorney
"I was just making the point, Madam Chairperson...."

Janelle Chanona, Chair
"Sorry, Mr. Cave. Would you like a suspension so that the clerk and the committee can explain to you that only Mr. Hothandani will be answered?"

Yohanseh Cave, Attorney
"Not at all. I am simply making the point to you."

Janelle Chanona, Chair
"Sorry. Can you please take off your microphone, please, sir? Because I don't know where the lack of clarity is. Only Mr. Hothandani is invited. You are here to consult and to be available to Mr. Hothandani. Mr. Hothandani, is that clear to you? I will not be addressing your attorney further. I am addressing you."