And just like Boledo has been nationalized, will the Port of Belize soon be getting the same treatment? The Deputy Prime Minister gave his support for that move last week. And today, when we asked the PM about the ongoing contention between PBL and the stevedores, he said the Ministry of Labor is working on that. But we also asked the prime minister about the other two port related questions - whether container tariffs will be increased and if PBL should belong to the government.
John Briceno, Prime Minister
"We have the Ministry of Labor, they have been doing that and they have been meeting with both groups in trying to find a way that we can move that forward."
Reporter:
"What about raising container tariffs, discussions with PBL?"
John Briceno, Prime Minister
"Well, that, before the exchange of government, the UDP had approved increasing the tariffs but it was not enacted into law. We believe that this is not the time because of the cost of inflation, we're trying to hold down costs so I don't think we are in a position right now to be able to sign on to what the UDP left to increase tariffs."
Courtney Menzies:
"The DPM says that the government should give serious thought to nationalizing the port. What's your thoughts about that?"
John Briceno, Prime Minister
"Well, there are so many things that we have to look at. Before we reach to that point, I think we have to speak with the owners to see what are their real intentions and if they do not have any interest in doing the proper investments then we have to sit down with them to either A, buy them out or nationalize but we are not there yet."
