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Attorney for the Feinstein Group, Godfrey Smith says his client is satisfied with the undertaking to freeze the acquisition until the matter is fully heard.
Godfrey Smith, Attorney - Feinstein Group
"With the undertaking in place, that means there is no need for the interim injunction, because the state has said we will not take any further step until the matter is cleared up."
Jules Vasquez:
"So with the compulsory acquisition, stayed or frozen, is that at least, would your client take that as an interim victory, not a victory, but an interim relief?"
Godfrey Smith, Attorney - Feinstein Group
"Well, it is interim relief because you would have recalled that the Prime Minister, in one of his interviews, perhaps with you, had indicated that the first step is the first declaration, there's a six week period for negotiation. And if after that, there's nothing, then you proceed with this second declaration. The second declaration is what effectively vests the land in the government. So yes, in the interim, we have effectively gotten the relief that we wanted: no action, no further step to compulsorily acquire the land."
Reporter:
"Ultimately, what is your client seeking? What is, the end goal here for him?"
Godfrey Smith, Attorney - Feinstein Group
"The end goal is vindication that the 23.4 acres standing in his name which was issued to him by the Minister of Natural Resources, he validly holds title to it, and it is lawfully his. That's the end game for him."
Jules Vasquez:
"Is it the view of yourself or your client that this acquisition is an abuse of the compulsory acquisition law?"
"Yes. Among several arguments that we have, some of which, interestingly was hinted at or indicated in the letter, I remember seeing from the National Trade Union Congress of Belize. They had written a letter and they had noted several points in there which which we have also raised before the court."
The trial judge, Justice Goonetilleke has indicated that he would have a decision within 2 to 3 weeks after arguments are made, meaning before the end of January. So the compulsory acquisition is on hold until then.
