Carnival deal will sign on Wednesday

The case for judicial review of the contract between Carnival Cruise Lines and Government brought by the Belize Tourism Industry Association was adjourned indefinitely several months ago…and the fifty million dollar project to build a cruise terminal in Port Loyola likewise seemed to have gone into hibernation. But guess what: it woke up. According to invitations sent out to a long list of guests, the “final contract signing ceremony,” along with a cocktail reception, will be held Wednesday night at the House of Culture. News Five was unable to confirm details of what will be signed, but the original contract was severely criticised–by no less than the then Minister of Tourism, Mark Espat–as giving away too much to Carnival. A subsequent clarification agreement was produced, but it is not clear if that is the document that will be signed or whether a whole new contract has been prepared. The ceremony is being sponsored by the Carnival Corporation, the Ministry of Tourism, and Belize Ports Limited.