Minister of State says he wants his company to provide security to NCL

Mark King

King is already lobbying for the spoils. As the proprietor of Brinks Security, he has submitted a proposal to Norwegian for a security contract.  When asked if his position as a Minister of State poses a conflict of interest, King says that it’s his entitlement as a Belizean businessman to tender a bid for the job, as should any other interested entrepreneurs.

Mark King, Minister of State, Human Development

“I have applied to NCL, they have given me nothing.  They have said to me we will look at your proposal and that’s as far as we are.”

Reporter

“Do you see it as a conflict of interest that you are acting in both capacities as a representative of the government and a private business owner who’s trying to secure a contract?”

Mark King

“Absolutely not.  I don’t see it as a conflict because that is my right.  That is my right as a Belizean, that is my right as a businessman.  If PUP mih deh een deh so and one ah dehn have wahn business one ah dehn mi wa apply anyway.  So, as far as I concern, I have the right to run my company.  I have the right to apply for government contract just as seen in the courts.  I have the right to apply to anything that is public as long as I give it to public knowledge.  I am not hiding anything, PUP come, UDP come, Belizeans come and they qualify to be in that security element, Belizeans are getting hired through Brinks Security, if it is for Mark King or not, Brinks Security does have its board of directors and it’s protected under a company limited status.  Therefore, it’s not just necessarily for me, it’s for all Belizeans.  The amount of Belizeans I hire through Brinks Security on a monthly basis is a lot of people at work.”