Is there Conflict of Interest in $1.2 Million Contract Awarded to Gel Quarry Ltd?

Edmund Kwan

During that same caucus meeting, it is also reported that the Belize City Council approved a one-point-two-million-dollar contract to Gel Quarry Company Limited. The contract is for infrastructure works in the Gungulung area of Belize City. But is there conflict of interest involving a sitting member of the Belize City Council? On LinkedIn, Councillor Edmund Kwan’s profile indicates that he is presently the manager of Gel Quarry Company Limited; his work experience also speaks to him being a shareholder for Homes for Sale – Belize Company Limited since 2019 and manager for Quan’s Trading Center since 1994. Mayor Bernard Wagner was asked about this and here’s his response.

Bernard Wagner

Bernard Wagner, Belize City Mayor

“I have no knowledge that Councillor Kwan is a shareholder. You will have to show me that. To the best of my knowledge, Gel Quarry and Councillor Kwan have no relationship. The council made a decision, the council believed that Gel Quarry was a company that could provide the necessary works to alleviate the suffering of many of our poorer people in the south side of Belize City, in the Gungulung area, and the council felt very good about that project.”

Reporter

“Even if he isn’t a shareholder, at the very least, on his LinkedIn account, it says that he is the manager.”

Bernard Wagner

“Well I can’t deal with speculation so I can’t answer that.”

Reporter

“But he put it there…”

Bernard Wagner

“Well you will have to ask him that man.”

Reporter

“But did that come up at any point in your meetings and did he say, I have nothing to do with it?”

Bernard Wagner

“He has indicated to us that he has no shareholding interest in Gel Quarry and we, at the council, believe in that and they made the decision. It’s a straightforward transaction.”

Reporter

“He participated in that vote?”

Bernard Wagner

“He did. He did participate and the minutes is there, man. Read the minutes and you will see that the council made the decision and the council is a duly elected body.”

Reporter

“But Mister Mayor, aren’t you concerned of the appearance of conflict of interest in this case?”

Bernard Wagner

“Listen to me, appearance of conflict will be everywhere in Belize City. Belize on a whole is a very small country. If I leave it up to you all in respect to how you determine conflict of interest, we will do no business in this city.”