Is there about to be a spike in hostilities between the Briceno Government and the Ashcroft Alliance? Reports reaching 7News indicate that in the New Year, GOB may focus some of its attention on the Port of Belize so that it gets crucial bulk cargo upgrades that are long overdue.
But, as viewers are aware, the Port is in receivership under the Ashcroft-Allied Company, Waterloo Investments Holding Limited, which has failed to convince the National Environmental Appraisal Committee and the Department of Environment to give them clearance to carry out their cruise terminal and bulk cargo development project. Last night, you heard the Prime Minister make the case that the status quo cannot continue at the Port and that if there is no cruise terminal project, the bulk cargo facilities must be improved. As the PM put it, an investment must either be done by the receiver, a new set of investors, or possibly even a government administration in the future.
So, when the press met up with the PM's Ports Minister, Michel Chebat, at another event, we asked how far the Government has progressed in its deliberations about the Port. Here's that very short conversation:
Cherisse Halsall
"The PM suggested that a bulk cargo upgrade at the port is a priority but the receivership could be standing in the way of this, any idea of what government will do about this in the new year?"
Michel Chebat, Minister of Public Utilities
"Well, you know that we are the regulators of all ports in this country and we have an interest to make sure that the economy of this country continues to roll. It's no secret that the port has been having some significant problems with its warehousing, stevedoring, and so on and so as a government, we have a national interest to make sure that it is operating at it's optimal best."
