But while the release says that the move was all about, quote, "ensuring the highest standards of healthcare delivery for all Belizeans" - the question has to be asked, was it to give a good deal to a well connected landowner.
We today asked the Minister of Education where he comes down on the issue that sees his UB campus lose what would have been a flagship facility:
Francis Fonseca, Minister of Culture
"Yeah well I made it very clear from the beginning that UB has the line we have always been prepared to make that land available to the hospital? The ministry of health came to the cabinet, the technocrats gave an extensive proposal and presentation to cabinet and our view was that we have to accept what these technical people are saying so that is our position. I should make the point because I think it is important that you know people feel like the land at UB is free that's not the case it would have required a few million dollars investment to upgrade it and two you know get it prepared but of course the argument is that it is your university so it is a good investment to make. So you know that is the point but certainly from the ministry of education we have consistently supported having the hospital placed on the university campus, and that was the position of the board of UB, but we can't tell the ministry of health what to do. They are the technical people and they felt that the interest of the people of the west, Belmopan would be better served by moving the hospital location."
Jules Vasquez
"One has to always be aware when preferred friends of the government land is purchased from them, how did they become aware of the land? Did they say, oh, mein, this land right beside the sewage and in that low lying area that flood prone. Perfect. Right. Like, how are these assessments made?"
Francis Fonseca, Minister of Culture
"No, you're asking me about things that I don't know about. That would have to be directed to, well, I don't know. That would have to be directed to the Ministry of Natural Resources."
"My understanding is that they reviewed, they looked at the land and the Commissioner of Lands and Surveys, whatever gave opinion on the matter, an extensive release I believe was put out. So I don't think we're hiding anything or whatever information is needed should be made available to the public through the media."
Jules Vasquez
"But is Mr Zheng's relationship with personalities associated with the government, was that a prevailing influence on Selection of this property?"
Francis Fonseca, Minister of Culture
"I don't know Mr Zheng. I don't know anything about Mr. Zheng, so I don't know if he has any? You were saying he has relations with people in the government I don't know. I absolutely don't know. I've never seen or met the man, so I don't know who it is."
