BML and City Council in court over million dollar debt

Philip Willoughby

While the council attempts to get back all the funds that were stolen, city Hall is still faced with a cash flow problem. The councils mounting debt with the companies that collect garbage have been the subject of public scrutiny and protests.  Currently an outstanding debt of over a million dollars, owed to Belize Maintenance Limited is before the courts.  This week Councillor responsible for garbage collection, Philip Willoughby, and BML’s attorney have been sitting in closed chamber sessions.  The matter has not been resolved but Willoughby says that more than likely CitCo and BML will settle out of court.

Philip Willoughby, Belize City Councillor

“With regards to the BML matter, this is before the Chief Justice at this time. We hope, based on a meeting of the head of our finance team, Mister Tillett, the mayor and myself, met with our lawyers and we venture to say that one of the better options to do is to settle after we realize the actual figure.”

Jose Sanchez

“What is the actual figure?”

Philip Willoughby

“That has to be determined. Whilst there are documents circulating to that this is what is outstanding, we still have to hammer down the exact precise figure. You have to understand that of course it is money owning.”

Jose Sanchez

“The average is more or less.”

Philip Willoughby

“In the region of one point something million dollars. I am not certain of an accurate figure. I can’t do that but upwards of a million. ”

Jose Sanchez

“Do you think considering the finances and the missing funds from City Hall, once those things are taken care of, that you will be able to handle these debts?”

Philip Willoughby

“Well I would venture to say that one; that matter is now in the auditor’s hands and the Police Department’s hands. With regards to realizing the funds and how we disburse payments or program payments and planning and so forth, we at the council have to one; follow the actual reports, revenue and expenditure. The last budget that we table stick within the context of the budget process and I’m hopeful that we don’t see a deficit.”