Carnival judicial review adjourned indefinitely

But while cruise arrivals appear to be growing, the new Carnival port is still tied up in legal litigation. The Supreme Court hearing initiated by the Belize Tourism Industry Association, scheduled for today and tomorrow, was this morning postponed indefinitely by Justice Samuel Awich. B.T.I.A. is going up against Prime Minister Said Musa, Attorney General Francis Fonseca, the Belize Tourism Board, and the Carnival Corporation in a judicial review of a contract signed between the Government of Belize, Belize Ports Limited and the Carnival Corporation in 2004. The application was brought to court by the B.T.I.A. on the grounds that the contract, including a subsequently signed clarification agreement, remains of doubtful constitutionality. According to officials at the Supreme Court in Belize City, the case was adjourned following a request by counsel for B.T.I.A., Lois Young Barrow, and Solicitor General Elson Kaseke, who will represent the A.G. and the P.M. We understand that the case will not continue until another matter–the case regarding the contract signed between Print Belize and G.O.B.–is concluded in the Chief Justice’s court. It is believed that the outcome of that case will be used as a precedent in the B.T.I.A. judicial review. At the start of the Supreme Court proceedings, it was understood that the Carnival Corporation and its partners would delay the hundred million dollar cruise terminal investment project until the legal air was clear. Carnival Corporation is being represented in the Supreme Court by Derek Courtenay, while Melissa Mahler will act on behalf of the B.T.B.