Monday will be a historic day in the House of Representatives - as the government moves to repeal sections of the 1992 Maritime Areas Act - which is the last step before filing Belize's case at the ICJ.
But, it will also be a politically interesting time - because the government side says it is expecting unanimous bi-partisan support. That puts the opposition in a cute position because we'd expect that some anti-ICJ hardliners on that side may find it hard to vote "yes" to anything introduced by the government. Same goes for the senate - which has its own opposition hardliners.
Today, UDP Area Rep for Albert Tracy Taegar Panton said she hopes they can get bi-partisan support:...
Jules Vasquez- Reporter
"Do you think we will have unanimous support from the PUP next week Monday at the House of Representatives for the repeal of the Maritime Areas or a section of the Maritime Areas."
Hon. Tracy Taegar-Panton - Albert Area Rep
"Well, I hope so because I think the matter of us going to the ICJ should be a national issue and it should enjoy bi-partisan support. And so, I am hopeful that now that we have crossed the hurdle and we have gotten a very clear mandate from the Belizean people that we should go to the ICJ, that we can rekindle that bi-partisan support for this very important national issue."
Jules Vasquez- Reporter
"Do you think your opponent Senator Thompson will support it in the Senate? We know he has been militantly for a no, as has Mr. Courtney to a lesser extent of militancy."
Hon. Tracy Taegar-Panton
"Well, he is the best person to answer that question for you Mr. Jules."
We'll have coverage of the house meeting on Monday.
