Attorney Ben Juratowich Represents Belize in Ashcroft Alliance Matter

Ben Juratowich: he’s the attorney the Prime Minister said misunderstood the assignment when he was asked to provide a legal opinion on the Portico Definitive Agreement, and tonight, we can tell you that he is now representing the government in a matter involving the Ashcroft Alliance. Yesterday, the National Environmental Appraisal Committee’s (NEAC) Appeals Tribunal held its first meeting. It is a tribunal that was established after Waterloo’s Port Expansion proposal was rejected for the second time.  In that instance, the Ashcroft Alliance accused the members of being bias and claimed that the port project was the victim of unfair regulatory practices. Today, Prime Minister Briceno, confirmed the participation of Juratowich as he not-so confidently stepped back from his remarks made last month on the legal expert’s opinion. 

Hon. John Briceño, Prime Minister of Belize: “We have to get an attorney to represent us and so that’s what we’re doing.”

Reporter:  Would his focus be pushed away from the ICJ? 

Hon. John Briceño, Prime Minister of Belize: “Obviously not. I mean the work for the ICJ, the hard work has been done. Now the ICJ is having elections to elect new judges. I think that’s supposed to be taking place sometime later this year. So they will be looking at our case next year. So it would not in any way distract Juratwich.”

Vejea Alvarez, Love FM News: How confident are you given that you said he had misunderstood the previous assignment? 

Hon. John Briceño, Prime Minister of Belize: “Yeah, well that happens all the time I mean with people no? We are very confident right now he is laser focused on the ICJ and also on this issue with Waterloo that he has been that we have had him involved from day one so he understands what is being done.”

The tribunal, which is tasked with reviewing the DOE’s decision on the project, is being chaired by Justice Patricia Farnese and now has the participation of recently appointed member Mark Lizarraga. Our newsroom understands that Waterloo Investments’ representative is Godfrey Smith while the government is being represented by Ben Juratowich.