Ministry of Energy responds to OCEANA’s claims

In a release sent out by the Ministry of Energy, Science and Technology and Public Utilities, earlier today, it pointed out that no order or judgment was made against any of the oil companies since they were not party to the proceedings.  Furthermore, it stressed that only the legal authority of a ruling by the court, articulating that it is necessary and enforceable against the companies, can cancel the contracts.  Therefore, the ministry, in issuing maps showing exploration areas held by the different oil companies, was obligated to acknowledge Princess Petroleum Belize Limited and Providence Belize Energy Limited since they continue to hold contracts for exploration.  The release concludes by saying that the ministry, “Refuses to be driven into the reckless course for which Oceana is pushing, which could expose the country to claims by oil companies for hundreds of millions of U.S. dollars in damages.”