D.F.C. hearings will continue without chairman

The work of the Commission of Inquiry into the Development Finance Corporation will continue without Chairman David Price. That’s the word from commissioners Herbert Lord and Merlene Bailey Martinez, who, with the approval of the Prime Minister, will act as co-chairs. Public hearings, which have been suspended since November first due to the illness of Price, are expected to recommence sometime next week but there may be a change from the established Tuesday and Thursday pattern due to scheduling conflicts at the Belize Institute of Management. Meanwhile, tonight Price’s condition is still being described as critical. We are told he has been transferred to a specialized centre in Cuba and is scheduled to undergo open heart surgery later this month. Back in Belize, the list of witnesses yet to testify includes former D.F.C. General Manager Troy Gabb and board members David Courtenay and Bob Bou Nehra. Prior to the delay, the men had indicated that they would attend the hearings accompanied by legal counsel. Other probable witnesses include Minister of Finance Said Musa and former Minister of Finance Ralph Fonseca.