It's fallen off the headlines but what the status of the City Council's much-fought for US$1 head tax? Minister of Tourism Godfrey Smith says that as promised the council will get its pound of flesh from the cruise industry, in fact he says the first check is already cut and delivered to CITCO.
Hon. Godfrey Smith, Minister of Tourism
"It is my understanding that a check has already cut by the government of Belize to the Belize City Council. I think it amounts to close to two hundred thousand dollars. A first check, I think it amounts to close to $200,000, one ninety something to the Belize City Council."
Alfonso Noble,
That check represents what?
Hon. Godfrey Smith,
"That check represents head taxes for the month."
Alfonso Noble,
In terms of the, the Mayor has argued that we want our head taxes and we also want back payment for what you owed us in terms of the subvention that the BTB had promised or set aside for the City Council. Is that forthcoming?
Hon. Godfrey Smith,
"No question of arrears is, well it is a non-question and it is completely off the table."
Alfonso Noble,
You will not be paying them?
Hon. Godfrey Smith,
"It is completely off the table, that is not a question, a relevant and live question right now."
While Smith says that the arrears owed to the council are not on the table for negotiations, Moya today told us that they will continue to lobby to get the monies previously allotted to them under the special projects program from the BTB.
