U.D.P. says Novelo’s granted 15 year monopoly

In some late breaking political news, the United Democratic Party has registered its strong disapproval of what it claims is the granting of an exclusive fifteen year national license to the Novelo’s Bus Line. According to a U.D.P. release, the license gives the company exclusive rights on all major bus routes, including runs to Chetumal and Melchor de Mencos. The U.D.P. release characterised the granting of the monopoly license, allegedly without any public consultation or disclosure, as constituting a “total disrespect for the Belizean public,” and demanded the publication of its terms. News 5 could not confirm the granting of any license or its precise wording, but it is widely known that the Novelo’s bus company is highly leveraged from high priced buyouts of its competitors. It is saddled with huge outstanding loans to the D.F.C., as well as lesser amounts owed to local banks. Several major creditors have initiated legal action against the company for non-payment of bills.