“Let’s See How We Negotiate”, Coye on Definitive Agreement Negotiations
Christopher Coye
As we reported on Thursday night, Prime Minister John Briceño informed us via text message, “Cabinet has asked Anthony [Mahler] and Chris [Coye] to meet the developers and work out an agreement that is more reasonable”. There is not much clarity at this time as to whether those negations are already underway, but both Minister Mahler and Minister Coye were seen leaving the airport today. Minister Coye was also asked about those negotiations and who the government will turn to for legal advice since Attorney General Magali Marin-Young is preparing to demit office at the end of the month.
Christopher Coye, Minister of State, Ministry of Finance
“I think in terms of legal advice, you have Attorney General’s Ministry that has the full complement of attorney’s and you also have external legal counsel. There is a full gamut of persons that can provide legal, continuing legal advice.”
Reporter
“For you what is your personal opinion on the DA, we heard from other ministers saying it is illegal and bad for Belize.”
Christopher Coye
“As far as the Definitive Agreement I will rely solely on the legal advice procured by the government.”
Reporter
“What do you expect from Portico, they issued statements seemingly expecting that what was contained in that Definitive Agreement will stand. How do you negotiate with a company that has that position?”
Christopher Coye
“I will refer you back to the practice or the experience of agreements under the past administration and under the current PUP administration. Under the past administration you had BTL. What ended up happening with BTL, we ended up under a settlement agreement under the past administration paying over six hundred million dollars for something that if it is worth a hundred million dollars it is worth a lot. The October 2022 agreement of Portico that was done under the UDP administration that is how they negotiate. Let see how we negotiate when it comes to this arrangement here.”
Reporter
“Your opinion on the kerfuffle with the Definitive Agreement and then the AG stepping down, virtually simultaneously, is this the first crack in the PUP administration?”
Christopher Coye
“I don’t see that one has anything to do with the other and you could probably speak with the AG and she will confirm as much.”
