Portico Enterprises Limited Seeks to Set Record Straight on Allegations of Wrongdoing

Portico Enterprises Limited has fired off a press release to set the record straight following allegations of corruption regarding the Definitive Agreement entered into with the Government of Belize. As we have reported, the Leader of the Opposition wrote to the Ombudsman requesting an investigation into the Prime Minister for corruption in relation to that contract. Portico Enterprises Limited, in its release, says that it is regrettable that the opposition leader’s request to the Ombudsman is, “rife with mendacious, frivolous, and defamatory statements”. The company began by clarifying that it has purchased in excess of one thousand acres of land for the development of Port Magical Belize. According to Portico, none of these lands belonged to Ambassador Haisam Diab. Portico Enterprise Limited also dropped a bombshell on U.D.P. Senator Michael Peyrefitte. According to the release, Morales Peyrefitte LLP drafted and negotiated the Definitive Agreement with the Government. Portico Enterprise Limited says, Morales Peyrefitte LLOP not only assisted Portico with its applications for the various permits and license, but also ensured that Portico satisfied all legal requirements upon making such applications.

The company further asserts that the law firm further assisted in securing the Environmental Compliance Plan that was a necessary condition to the Defensive Agreement. Based on this information, Portico Enterprises Limited says it is mischievous of the Opposition Leader to pose ask whether Courtenay Coye LLP was the long time law firm of Portico. The company also placed on record that the Definitive Agreement was signed on October first 2020, five days before Parliament was dissolved. They say that since Erwin Contreras executed the Definitive Agreement for Harvest Caye on behalf of the Government of Belize, his capacity to sign and execute such document was unquestionable. As it pertains to the Opposition Leader’s request to the Ombudsman, the Office of the Ombudsman has since responded to acknowledge receipt of the letter. The office has informed the opposition leader that it is conducting its due diligence and in due time will revert to him.