P.U.P. Not Rejoicing After C.C.J. Decision

John Briceño

The media caught up with the Leader of the Opposition today at a separate P.U.P. event. John Briceño has repeatedly shared his discontent with the B.T.L. settlement and has even called the agreement, “the worst decision by a Government in modern Belizean history.” So following today’s ruling by the CCJ, we sought his reaction.

John Briceño, P.U.P. Leader

“It is unfortunate that we have that ruling. It is unfortunate. I am in no way rejoicing that the government has to pay that sixty-seven million dollars US. Because we know that there is a shortage of US dollars. We know that it’s no other than the government’s banker- the Governor of the Central Bank – wrote a letter, I think it was in July, to the Financial Secretary that they cannot afford to give out these US dollars because our two to one peg – two dollars Belize to one dollar US is going to be threatened; that there could be a devaluation. If you talk to business people; every one of them will tell you that they cannot get access to US dollars because there is a shortage. The economy contracted by one point five percent over the first six months and this is when we have all the economic activity. You could imagine what we going through right now how everything slowed down? So, now because of the arrogance of the Prime Minister, feeling that he knows more than everybody signed on to something knowing full well that he has to pay in US dollars and then decides that he is going to pay in Belize dollars. They have been taken to court and now they are told they have to pay in US dollars. I am not rejoicing for the loss of the government, because we are Belizeans first and foremost, but this is in the hands of the Prime Minister and he, along with his U.D.P. government, they must be held responsible.”