Financial Secretary Says International Arbitrations May Head to U.S. Supreme Court

Joseph Waight

But aside from the B.T.L. arbitration award, there are other outstanding cases before international courts.  Belize stands to lose another significant sum based on the decision of the most powerful court in the United States. Financial Secretary Joseph Waight gave us the details on Tuesday.

Joseph Waight, Financial Secretary

“There are three arbitration awards that were in favor of or against the government of Belize, substantial amounts. The awardees, the claimants, have taken the cases to the US court system. It’s gone as far as the U.S. Court Of Appeals, which have upheld the awards. We are now going to final court which is U.S. Supreme Court. Belize has applied to the U.S. Supreme Court to hear the case. The U.S. Supreme Court has not determined yet whether they would hear those cases or not, If they do, I hope they find in our favour. I think we have accompanying arguments. If they don’t hear the case well I guess it’s another year of enforcement, which is another thing.”

Reporter

“What is the value of those external awards combined?”

Joseph Waight

“Combined we are looking at one hundred million Belize dollars.”