And in other tourism news somewhat downmarket of The Four Seasons, tonight we know for the first time why Erwin Contreras says he signed the Definitive Agreement.
And we know this from a defence he has submitted to a lawsuit from the Ashcroft Alliance. As we have reported, the Alliance filed suit against Contreras for damages arising from misfeasance back in June.
Well, in a defence filed by his attorney Bill Lindo Jr - Contreras says he acted legally and properly.
It says, quote, "The Defendant admits that in October 2020, in the course of lawfully discharging his public functions as Minister with responsibility for Economic Development, Petroleum, Investment, Trade and Commerce, signed the "Definitive Agreement".
And why did he do it? The Defence says "at all material times, having regard to the number of jobs and the desperate need for investment to propel the rebound of the Belizean economy in the wake of the COVID- 19 pandemic, acted in good faith in signing the Definitive Agreement."
So, it was because of COVID.
And who told him to do it? Well, Contreras says he had actual, implied and ostensible authority as the Minister of Investment.
So, was it signed in secret? Contreras denies that too. He says, quote, "In fact, the GoB was in negotiations with the then Attorney General and the principals of PoMB which, as far as the Defendant was aware, resulted in multiple drafts being exchanged."
