Hearings in SATIIM's application for judicial review and injunction against Capital Energy continued today in Supreme Court before Justice Samuel Awich. This morning SATIIM's position was amplified by co-counsel Lois Young and it continued with a presentation by Forestry Department attorney, the now privately retained former Sol Gen Elson Kaseke.
He started off by declaring that any and all oil exploration ventures in the country are the reserved right of the government of Belize. He also submitted that instead of challenging the Forestry Department's decision to give Capital Energy license to conduct oil explorations, SATIIM should have been challenging the production sharing agreement signed between government and Capital Energy back in 2001 predating SATIIM's taking over management of the national park. He continued saying that while SATIIM is asking for an injunction against Capital Energy there is no reference to financial compensation considering that capital energy is and will invest significantly in oil explorations in the national park.
The case continues tomorrow when Capital Energy's attorney Derek Courtenay will make his presentation.
