Marshalleck Says G.O.B. Misrepresented Itself

Michael Feinstein

Feinstein agreed that the original agreement for the village in 2001 designated it the only port of entry for cruise ships in Belize District for fifteen years, this has subsequently been extended three times and now ends in January 2028, after the sale of the Village to Royal Caribbean/Diamonds International and after the failure of the Carnival Cruise Lines Port Loyola project. In all this time, however, he says that two wrongs do not make a right and that the Government misrepresented itself when it agreed to the creation of the “administrative fee,” another name for the head tax.

Michael Feinstein, Developer, Stake Bank

“We are saying that head tax is not legal, we are saying that these agreements are not legal and it all falls in place…if the head tax is not legal, then any agreements based on head tax is not legal. And that…I think the arguments are going well and we will find out maybe on the twenty-fourth.”

Reporter

“But sir, the judge made a very important point which was brought up by the government’s attorney, that you benefitting from this same arrangements you are now complaining against.”

Michael Feinstein

“As the judge said….if it is not legal now it wasn’t legal then.”

Reporter

“So do you accept that it wasn’t proper then either?”

Michael Feinstein

“I am saying head tax is not legal now; it wasn’t then.”

Reporter

“Sir, but aren’t you concerned that if the court fines…”

Michael Feinstein

“I am not saying that collecting taxes is illegal, collecting monies is illegal. I am saying there is refuting it illegal.”

In arguments this afternoon Deputy Solicitor General Nigel Hawke said Feinstein did not provide any evidence that he experienced personal loss as a result of the contractual arrangements between FSTV and the Government and Tourism Board, and insisted that, subject to the obvious consequences, the contract could be breached if needed. Arguments finished after five this evening and continue Friday morning before Supreme Court Justice Courtney Abel.