Senate Debated $77 Million U.S Solar Plant Loan

Today’s sitting of the Senate saw a heated debate over government’s seventy-seven million U.S dollar loan from the Saudi Development Fund. As we have reported, the loan is earmarked for the construction of a solar energy plant that is projected to move Belize much closer to energy independence. But, Opposition Senator Michael Peyrefitte says he is not convinced that the Briceño administration effectively negotiated the terms of the loan contract. Senator Peyrefitte contended that the contract contains numerous clauses that are questionable.

Michael Peyrefitte

Michael Peyrefitte, Lead Opposition Senator

“Saudi Arabia Madam President is known for selling oil, through Aranco, the biggest company in the world and they are lending money through a fund to us for solar. The last time, Senator Courtenay asked me if I knew about afrobeats. I am surprised you knew about afrobeats. Talk about Rema, well I am sure you have heard about Busta Ryhmes, talk about that Arab money, nothing like that Arab money, like we can’t get enough of it, and it seems like our thirst for it will ever be quenched, to point where we are entering agreements, signed by the prime minister and he doesn’t know anything about what or how the money will be used.”

Isabel Bennett-Moody

Isabel Bennett-Moody, Government Senator

“I would beg the Belizean people even if you are listening to the presentation in the senate is that you be that critical mind and that you question what was presented don his behalf, because if you take the time just to go to the first two pages of Wikipedia, it clearly defines the success the Saudis have had as it relates to solar energy. So, to put them in a box that they are just experts in oil is totally wrong.”