Turning back to today's House Meeting, there was a lot of public rage generated on Facebook today after Belizeans learned the details behind the Briceno government's Trade Licensing Bill of 2022.
In this piece of draft legislation, the government seeks to update the trade licensing laws that will apply in all the country's cities, towns and villages. When the bill was first tabled today in the House, the topic was discussed almost as routine housekeeping business, without any controversy.
Here's that moment when Oscar Requena, the Minister responsible for Local Government, introduced it to his colleagues:
Hon. Oscar Requena - Minister of Rural Transformation, Community Development, Local Government & Labour
"Madam Speaker, this is the trade licensing bill 2022. Madam Speaker, I rise to introduce a bill for an act to make provisions for trade licensing, to repeal the Trade Licensing Act, Chapter 66 of the Substantive Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2020, and to provide for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto. Madam Speaker, this bill has the recommendation of the Cabinet. Madame Speaker, Chapter 66 of the laws of Belize makes provisions for the requirement for anyone intending to carry out a trade or sale of goods or services in a municipality, town, and city in Belize to apply for a license from the Locally appointed Trade Licensing Board to conduct such trade. In 2014 the Ministry of Local Government, the Belize Mayors Association, and the Economic Development Council began working in partnership on Trade Licensing Reform to determine sound recommendations for the application of a new trade license regime. Why is a trade license necessary? It is necessary to allow for the local authority to regulate the conduct of trade within the local space, to allow for the protection of the public health and safety, to allow for the local authority to provide the necessary municipal services, and finally, to legitimize the applicant's privilege to conduct such trade within the local space. Madam Speaker, the goal is really to create an enabling environment for economic growth and facilitate business development in Belize as outlined in the Plan Belize."
