Julius Raises Proposed Port of Belize Expansion in House Meeting

The Port of Belize Limited is looking to expand its operations and its principals have put together a presentation to be made before Cabinet’s investment subcommittee in the days ahead.  But that did not stop Cayo South Area Representative Julius Espat from raising the issue in the House of Representatives on Friday.  In the context of costly negotiations, Espat went in on the prime minister and continued to criticize past efforts at reaching an amicable solution with Lord Michael Ashcroft.  Here’s how that exchange started.

Julius Espat

Julius Espat, Area Representative, Cayo South

“Initially you would think that it’s just a fool negotiating with a master and the people of Belize lose money.  You’d think that, but it goes farther than that Madam Speaker, it is sinister when both sides benefit from these negotiations and the people of Belize suffer.  So, why am I bringing this historical fact?  Well, the prime minister is presently entertaining another negotiation with the owners of the Port of Belize through a company called Waterloo.  And he would know because he represents those people for quite some years, so he knows all the companies I am speaking of.  He is negotiating right now, Madam Speaker, with the Port of Belize through a company called Waterloo to be able to package the port in such a way.  Now, how can you entertain as the leader of a country even trying to negotiate with a person that the last two times you are negotiating the Belizean people have suffered close to eight hundred million dollars and you would like us to think that it is fine, let’s proceed, Madam Speaker?  I am concerned.  My peasant mentality is worried; I am really concerned because every time negotiations with these two unholy alliance happens, the people of Belize suffer Madam Speaker.  And so, I have a right to be able to bring this to the house and raise my concern.”