And Peyrefitte rose in pretty much every debate, opposing whatever loan motion or bill that was being discussed. That includes the Southern Deep Port Development Facility Bill. The bill will allow for the renovation and reconstruction of the Commerce Bight, which promises to bring economic activity to the south. But Peyrefitte says it's not so simple. He explained his concerns.
Michael Peyrefitte, UDP Senator
"Madam president, we were in space now we're talking about yachts. You guys seem to be on another level, from space to yacht, not a bulk cargo, not a regular common main economy cruise ships coming, yachts. Now my philosophy remains the same. If you can have an investment that benefits a community that adds to that multiplier effect of, I guess if you have a port with lots and it comes in and there are fees to be charged and the government makes money and the surrounding communities make money, I mean how conceptually can you be opposed to that, conceptually? But there are questions and as usual, the devil is in the details. Because what this bill does pursuant to an agreement that the government has with the developer is that this place will become a port of entry and a port of entry is as it says, you can pull up from anywhere in the world and be processed as a sovereign nation in that facility. It's primarily for Guatemalans, as the Leader of Government Business said, that would be a big part of the business, they can come here for three months, I don't know if we have the infrastructure and the surrounding beyond the port that will benefit from this or will it be a port that they come there and they stay there and only that port benefits?"
But Senator Moses Benguche, who grew up in Stann Creek, has a different perspective:
Moses Benguche, Senator
"I speak with a sense of pride, almost with a sense of emotionalism in so far as this development is concerned, as one who grew up in Stann Creek and saw the betterment of this facility and that which is around it, that which was once bright and vibrant as a little boy growing up and that which after a period of time almost became dilapidated and there were people and there have been people in and around Stann Creek and Dangriga who have asked the question time and time again, as administrations have come and as administrations have gone, have asked the question, what kind of development can take place and what benefit can it be to the people of Dangriga and Stann Creek and that question has gone begging for a number of years and so as I speak I speak from that perspective knowing the rich history of the place. Perhaps it is important for us to note that if there's any rush, it needs to be now."
Eamon Courtenay, Leader of Government Business
"I first want to thank the social partner senators who have spoken for their support for the bill and for the very rational clear and compelling basis on which they have expressed their support, we are appreciative of their support and once again do not listen to petty and personal contributions by those are opposing everything. Let the record reflect, Senator Peyrefitte is against this investment. They beat them like a drum over three thousand times in Toledo East and they still don't understand."
