Coye Laments Loss: Portico Project Benefits Others, Belize Left Behind

One other interesting point brought out by Minister of State, Christopher Coye, has to do with how many persons have benefited from the initiation of the Portico’s Port of Magical Belize project.  He lamented that Belize as a country had lost while several others benefited. 

Christopher Coye, Minister of State, Ministry of Foreign Affairs: “While Belize has lost there have been beneficiaries. Those who sold lands to Portico Entity enjoyed the proceeds of sale. Then there are certain foreign funded NGO’s who in fact raised money on the backs of their purported achievements for conservation while at the same time halting development opportunities to the detriment of our people. The scuttling of such a project of this nature could very well be seen as a victory for those certain special interests. As much as conservation is a national priority it should never be that nature positive conservation should have priority over people positive sustainable human development. There is no doubt that the senate or any committee of the senate has the powers to conduct inquiries and investigations on any matter of public interest or importance. At the same time just as with any other authority that enjoys powers and discretions those powers of the senate can be abused. The Senate and any committee thereof must be resolutely sure not to abuse their powers or be manipulated into abusing their powers to serve third party special interests including foreign interests but rather to act reasonably and judiciously in the public interest of Belize and its citizenry alone. Thank you.”

Committee Chair: “Thank you Senator.”

Christopher Coye, Minister of State, Ministry of Foreign Affairs: “I will be excusing myself, that is the extent of the statement I have to give today and the evidence that is being provided to this committee.”

And with that statement, Coye and his attorney exited the room leaving Senator Dennison hoping to get some questions answered.  This evening, the committee issued a statement on today’s events, stating, in part, quote, “Each witness took the opportunity afforded by the SSSC to make opening statements. Unfortunately, both witnesses declined to answer any questions and exited the Chambers of the National Assembly.  The Committee was surprised at the witnesses’ failure to participate in the Public Hearing. The SSSC is also disappointed with the suggestion made by the Hon. Coye in his opening statement which attempts to cast aspersions on the work of the Committee; that is unacceptable.  The Committee hereby reaches out to Cabinet Secretary Stuart Leslie and Senator the Honorable Christopher Coye to reconsider their decision and meaningfully support the work of the SSSC in this important matter of public interest.”  End of quote.  Today’s meeting was the 24^th one held since the appointment of the commission tasked to probe into the infamous Portico Definitive Agreement.