But, before all that heavy parliamentary debate began, Osmany Salas, the Senator representing the NGO Community, announced to the Senate that he has resigned.
He told his colleagues that he will be taking up a job offer with the World Wildlife Fund, as the Country Lead for the organization's Project Finance for Permanence. Here's how he explained why he wants to avoid even the slightest appearance of a conflict of interest due to the demands of his current job, vs the role he will play with the WWF:
Hon. Osmany Salas - Outgoing Senator, NGO Community
"I have tendered my resignation to the Steering Committee of the Belize Network of NGOs. The reason: I have decided, after much contemplation and deliberation, and advice that I have sought, is that I have been offered. I applied for, and have been offered, to work for the World Wildlife Fund as the Country Lead for the Project Finance for Permanence. That three-year undertaking, Madam President and Colleagues, will inevitably require negotiation, discussion, and agreements with the government. So, Madam President and Colleagues, I made the decision because I do not want even the appearance of [a] conflict of interest in the work that I will be charged with leading as of next month. One of the few things that I completely own is my integrity and I hold that dear to my heart. I must say it is bittersweet."
Hon. Eamon Courtenay - Leader of Government Business
"I think you can leave this place and truly believe and say that you have made it a better place than the way you found it."
Hon. Michael Peyrefitte - Leader UDP Senator
"Senator Salas is to be respected for his level of preparation and participation in the Senate process. One thing is for sure, sir, one thing was for sure whilst you were here and continue to be here, is that you would not leave a stone unturned."
Hon. Bishop Alvin Benguche - Church Senator
"I personally will miss him, Madam President, because of the kind of association we have had, and the is sharing we have had."
Hon. Kevin Herrera - Business Senator
"We Relied on him significantly for his input, for his wise counsel throughout the year."
Hon. Elena Smith - Labour Senator
"I was the eldest of the 4, and he was my second, now he's leaving me. So now, I remain still the eldest."
Hon. Darrell Bradley - UDP Senator/Former Senate President
"The public has benefited from your contribution because you are one of those individuals who bring the change in the system of government that people want."
Salas has served for 5 years as a Senator. He is the NGO Community's first Senate Representative, and the first person to serve as what is called "the 13th Senator."
Salas also received words of support from Senator Chris Coye, who noted that Salas would basically be leading the team that will develop the world's first fully Coastal and Marine Project Finance for Permanence.
