And while all that business happened later on in the day - Peyrefitte started the meeting off swinging with the debate on the Resolution Authorizing the Ratification by Belize of the Convention of the Latin American and Caribbean Space Agency Motion.
This convention, which Belize has signed, establishes an International organization that will coordinate cooperation in space technology, research, exploration and related applications. This promises to ultimately see the development of a regional space program to benefit the region.
But Peyrefitte says we're simply not there yet.
Michael Peyrefitte, UDP Senator
"Madam President, it's just difficult for me to… space? What are we going to do in space? This government, Madam President, can't even finish a road on the Coastal Highway and we signed a treaty to go to space and coordinate with satellite? Madam President, from what I've read, space technology is like the most expensive technology you can engage in, right ahead of the oil exploration technology. I would like to hear if I may from the Minister of State, Senator Coye, exactly how much this would cost us because nothing named space is cheap. Space expensive and if you look at the agreement that was signed when you look at article three, it talks about the financial obligations members states acquire from this convention shall rule after its entry into force for each member state, but what financial obligations? How much will this cost the country every year for this so called space technology?"
The meeting started after 9:00 am and finished close to 6:00 pm.
