Jack Charles Says Cost of Storage will be Recovered in Damages
While the shipment of seventy-five tons of prepackaged grain remains grounded in Big Creek, as of Christmas Day the importer will have to start covering the cost of storage. That quantum, if and until released, will be paid forward; however, Jack Charles is positive that it will be recovered in damages.
Jack Charles, Proprietor, RC Imports
“Practically speaking, yes, we had given enough time to them and we did receive a letter late last evening but by that time it was filed already and the facts still remain the same, that the farmers in Toledo they pay thirty cents for their paddy and the rice coming out of the same paddy they are to pay a dollar twenty cents when they buy the rice from the shop. So it’s all about consumers.”
Reporter
“Sir, you mentioned just now that a letter from BAHA came late this evening. Can you share the details of that letter with us?”
Leroy Banner
Jack Charles
“Well I’ll have my attorney deal with that.”
Leroy Banner, Attorney for Jack Charles
“Well basically the letter is saying, it purports to give reason was to why the containers were detained. I see no valid reason in it and since the matter is before the court now I cannot really say exactly what I think about it but suffice to say that there is not sufficient reason given in the letter as to why BAHA detained our containers.”
Reporter
“Okay. Mr. Charles, tomorrow you will be required by Big Creek to start paying fees for storage. Have you contemplated that and is that the next step for you?”
Jack Charles
Jack Charles
“Well, at the end of the day if there are charges to be paid I mean we’ll have to pay that and then down the road when we win the case we will claim those charges from the authorities.”
Reporter
“Was that a consideration that prompted you to take this step as well, that it is now costing you to keep this rice in Belize?”
Jack Charles
“Yes. Practically speaking, like any investment we need to have a turnover on that one and at the end of the day even the consumers are waiting for their affordable rice and then besides that one, yes the port will start charging storage fees from tomorrow. So yes, all those things will definitely factor in.”
