US Senator’s Objection Casts Doubt on Meeting Regarding MCC Grant for Belize

The Government of Belize is gearing up to meet with Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) officials in Washington D.C. It is questionable tonight, however, as to whether the meeting will still happen.  The doubt is a result of a US Senator objecting to Belize’s grant approval.  Last month, Florida Senator Rick Scott wrote to the MCC’s CEO urging him to reconsider the decision. Scott alleges that Belize does not provide a level playing field to US investors. He noted that a US investor recently claimed to be facing unjust impediments in the form of predatory new laws that hinder their business growth and operational viability, which is contrary to the MCC’s criteria. So, will the US politician’s objection affect the 125 million US dollar grant? Chief Executive Officer in the Ministry of Economic Development, Dr. Osmond Martinez, says he does not believe it will.

Dr. Osmond Martinez, CEO, Ministry of Economic Development: “Well first of all we have a lot of respect to all our geopolitical leaders in all different levels but my response is no, he won’t have any effect. With MCC we are moving forward and we will be finishing and completing our negotiations next week and thereafter it will be a table at the Parliament. I am the focal point and their counterpart in the Government of Belize which works with them on a daily basis and all the operations that we get done we do it with the MCC and the Ministry of Economic Development but nothing has come to me.”

Belize is one of two countries that have been approved for funding from the MCC.