At today's ceremony for the Philip Goldson Highway and Remate Bypass Upgrading Project, we got an opportunity to challenge the Minister of Infrastructure Development and Housing on whether or not his Ministry is simply continuing with infrastructure development projects that the former Barrow Administration initially programmed.
The earliest public mention of a Remate Bypass project happened during an Independence Day address by former Prime Minister Dean Barrow back in 2017. Here's what Julius Espat had to say when we pointed that out to him:
Julius Espat - Minister of Infrastructure Development & Housing
"Remember, this is a project that starts from Biscayne, all the way to the northern border. We are about to finalize the part that comes out of Ladyville to Biscayne, which would make the whole project complete. So, we are going step by step. We're looking at starting the one between San Ignacio to Benque Viejo. That will come on board pretty soon. And, the one that we are seeking financing right now for is the rehabilitation of the George Price Highway from Belize City, all the way to Belmopan. That one is very important for the city because we are looking at everything under climate resilience. The city has a problem with the drainage, so that becomes very important during the flood season."
Daniel Ortiz
"Now, sir. The UDPs love to remind the Belizean public of all the projects that you all have either taken on and renamed or are continuing, which they started. Would it be unfair to suggest that this is some are simply a continuation of a project that they've started?"
Julius Espat
"No, we are a responsible government. We follow through with projects that we believe are positive for the country. That is what a responsible government does, and so we have no shame in saying that it's a continuation of something that was established before. They did everything that they thought was necessary at the time. And when we came into government, we saw that the project was viable. We sat with the lending institutions, and we gave them the go-ahead. We have no way of undermining because if we undermine a project that's for the benefit of Belize, we undermine Belizeans. So, I have no problem sharing whatever they want to share. We're Belizeans at the end of the day, you know. I only deal with them as an opponent just a couple of weeks before election time. Before that, I can work with them."
Daniel Ortiz
"Sir, will we see projects like this one that is the brainchild of the Briceno Government?"
Julius Espat
"I just mentioned a couple, if you've been listening. The one from San Ignacio to Benque is there. The rehabilitation of the George Price Highway is under us. The one from Ladyville to Biscayne is under us. But, if they want to take credit for that one, too, bring them in. It's not a problem. Once it gets done for the benefit of Belize, how can we complain?"
