So, what was government's response to this revelation - which was first made on sunup on 7 today? Well, GOB doubled down on choosing Portico.
A release says, "On 16th June 2023, at the sitting of the House of Representatives, Prime Minister John Briceno informed the nation that the UDP Portico Definitive Agreement…was not in the best interest of the people of Belize and would not be proceeded with." End quote.
Now the release does not say why government didn't do this from April when the Juratowich opinion clearly told them that was the only choice to make….instead, the statement says - "This decision was reached after an informed discussion in Cabinet and after receiving legal advice from multiple attorneys of international repute." End quote.
Of course, the Juratowich opinion from April is one of those - but - as you heard in our last story - no mention of it was made in the May Cabinet memorandum.
The government release goes on to say "At the same time, appreciating the credibility of the key strategic stakeholders, Royal Caribbean Group - one of the leading cruise lines in the world - and Boskalis, one of the leading dredging companies in the world, Cabinet further determined that the government should proceed to meet with these parties with a view to negotiate or develop a new arrangement in an open and transparent manner that would serve the best interest of the people of Belize...
On 23rd June 2023, the Royal Caribbean Group, highlighting the shortcomings of the existing cruise infrastructure in Belize, reiterated its commitment to significantly increase its contribution to Belize's tourism economy.
The government is encouraged by this continuing commitment..."
