Would an Unfavorable High Court Decision Affect Portico’s Development Plan?

Andrew Bennett

But what bearing, if any, would an adverse decision by the High Court have on Portico’s plan to proceed with the development of Port of Magical Belize?  That’s what we asked Portico’s attorney earlier today. 

Isani Cayetano

“The claim was not brought directly against your client, it was brought against the Government of Belize via the Department of the Environment and NEAC.  But an outcome favorable to Stake Bank would be damaging to your client, correct?”

Andrew Bennett, Attorney-at-Law

“Well certainly, we would not want for an adverse determination in respect of the lawfulness of the environmental clearance nor the Environmental Compliance Plan.  However, well, if it is that it is determined in that way, of course it has an adverse effect for the project itself.

Isani Cayetano

“Is there anything you want to mention to me in respect of what is happening here, with this new development and perhaps how you would proceed in the days to come in respect of this matter?  Have you had a chance to sit down with your client to, perhaps, determine the way forward?”

Andrew Bennett

“The way forward has already been determined.  Remember, all, everything has been filed and this matter was ready for trial.  It was on a technical point that we sought to strike out the claim in its entirety.  That was granted, and so, in respect of it, nothing has changed in respect of the Government of Belize nor the interested parties’ interest in this. The claimant will present its case.  The defendant which is the Department of the Environment and NEAC, and by extension the attorney general, they will present their case and of course we will have our chance to make submissions on the substantive issues as the interested party.”