Two weeks ago we reported that the Government of Belize had not paid Social Security $1.8 million plus interest for covering Glenn Godfrey's payments in December of 2004. Well, it turns out government has paid, but not in cash. 7NEWS has obtained documents which show that instead of getting back cash to recover the cash it paid out for Godfrey, Social Security got a piece of land, public land and the piece they got may surprise you. Here's more in the following story.
Jules Vasquez Reporting,
It's a historic site in Corozal town. Fort Barlee dates back to 1870 when the British colonial government erected it to resist attacks from the Iciache Mayas in the Caste War. Now the four corners of the Fort lock in an entire square block comprising 1.9 acres. It is a tourist attraction in the heart of the town and a colorful and a very active and present link to Corozal's rich history.
Within fort barlee's four brick corners is the administrative center of the Corozal district. It contains the Police Station, which is the largest single building, the Corozal Sub-Treasury, the Central Statistical Office, Corozal branch, the Post Office, the Registry, and Magistrate's Court which also doubles as the Corozal Supreme Court. It's one square block in which all important government functions in the Corozal district are performed and now it's all for the Social Security Board.
On 26th, October, 2005, Financial Secretary Dr. Carla Barnett wrote to Social Security General Manager Narda Garcia telling her that value of lot 508 will be accepted as full reimbursement of $1.849 million plus interests due to the board from the government of Belize. That interest is another $214,000. The letter goes on to say: 'you will recall that government agreed to reimburse the Social Security Board for $1.8 million paid by the Social Security Board for mortgage payments due from St. James Building society.' St. James is of course another Glenn Godfrey company.
After that letter, the transfer for parcel 508 was effected on November 7th. 2005 and the certificate issued shortly thereafter. With that, government's entire seat of power on the Corozal district is now owned by Social Security and at present it occupies it rent free. But more than that it is a public asset sold to a statutory board to cover a publicly guaranteed private debt, it's a shell game run with public funds where the only sure loser every tame is either the taxpayer or the fund contributor.
According to Social Security Chairman Yasin Shoman, Social Security will build its district office on the property. Work should begin in April to build that office. But that's just the first phase; in the second phase they will construct a building which they will rent to the government to house the all the administrative offices. As for the historic Fort Barlee structures, Shoman says those will not be disturbed, and the architect is working to incorporate it into the overall design. Shoman says the land was valuated, and social security is confident that it is getting ample value for the $2 million that government owed on behalf of Godfrey.
