BELMOPAN, Belize – Prime Minister John Briceño says an investigation will be launched into a controversial agreement signed with Portico Enterprises Limited, the parent company for Port of Magical Belize, by a senior government minister of the last administration.
Prime Minister John Briceño speaking to reporters upon his return from an official visit to South Korea (CMC Photo)Briceño, who arrived here from South Korea on Monday night, told reporters that the agreement which was reportedly signed by the former economic development minister, Erwin Contreras, without the knowledge of the Dean Barrow government, is now the focus of the cabinet.
The agreement was October 1, 2020 between the Ministry of Economic Development and Portico Enterprises and the parent company for Port of Magical Belize.
The 31 page document states, ”the developer has invested directly and indirectly, considerable finances, time and other resources in and for the conceptual design and preliminary business plan for the development, construction, operation and management of a cruise ship docking facility, including access channel and other maritime and offshore structures….”.
The agreement allows for the company “strategically” locating its products in duty free stores, concession stands, beaches, restaurants, bars and a hotel of 300 rooms with casino throughout the terminal and its surroundings.
The project facility is located on the coast of the Belize District, three miles south of the Sibun River, Belize District.
The agreement was leaked to the media last week and Prime Ministers Briceño, while expressing disappointment with the leak, said the government is examining legislation that will give the necessary development concessions to Port Magical Belize.
“And once we do that, then we will do whatever investigations have to be done. We will do an investigation, and if there was anybody, any corrupt act under the previous government, then we will act on it.
“I am very disappointed that this paper was leak out. As you all know, when we were appointed to the Cabinet, we signed an oath of confidentiality that what this is discussed Cabinet should remain there because then this allows ministers to be able to speak their minds freely. The paper came to cabinet,” he added.
Prime Minister Briceño said the ministers during the discussions raised “some issues, rightly so” with the agreement, adding that the new document will be taken to the National Assembly.
“What I can assure you right now that whatever that UDP (United Democratic Party) signed under the definitive agreement that will not fly. We are going to be redoing it,” he added.
Last week, Deputy Prime Minister Cordel Hyde discussed the likelihood of new legislation being introduced in parliament to address the issue of Port of Magical Belize, following an announcement made by Portico Enterprises on May 23, regarding the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with Boskalis International and the Royal Caribbean Group to form a joint venture to develop, manage and operate the Port of Magical Belize.
