Senate Debated PGH Upgrade Loan Motion

Phillip Willoughby

There was also a spirited back and forth in the upper house over a loan motion from the Central American Bank for Economic Integration (CABEI), valued at forty-eight million dollars. The loan is for the expansion and rehabilitation of a stretch of road along the Phillip Goldson Highway between miles eight and twenty-four. While Business Senator, Kevin Herrera commended the government for upgrading a stretch of road he says he uses regularly, he called for greater accountability in the awarding of these types of contracts. Opposition senator, Phillip Willoughby, also chimed in on the debate.

Phillip Willoughby, Opposition Senator

“We can’t overlook to mention the hypocrisy to some extent, but whenever the government speaks of infrastructure it becomes nauseating. Infrastructure connects people, it moves goods and services. Prior to the general elections, we heard educated people made remarks, statements that we cannot eat streets or its infrastructure. But, again I must say thank you the government for continuing with the project. But, I am certain that the people of Belize and its guests will have this infrastructure for a very long time, and I hope that we the good citizens protects this infrastructure because it is the tax payers dollar paying for these loans.”

Kevin Herrera

Kevin Herrera, Business Senator

“I want to commend the government for the construction for the rehabilitation of this badly needed area of the road. I live in this general area and I know that they have fixed pieces in the past years. But, one of my points is not with respect to what is being spent, where it is going, or if it looks reasonable or not. I would like to recommend at some point in the process is that, I think there should be some audit of contracts that would ensure the value is there within these contracts.”