FECTAB Slams Government’s Stake Bank Acquisition, Advocates for Port of Magical Belize

The Federation of Cruise Tourism Associations of Belize (FECTAB) is outraged by the Government of Belize’s decision to acquire the land surrounding Stake Bank. As we reported to you early this week the Briceno Administration is seeking to compulsorily acquire the disputed 24-acre extension of Stake Bank owned by former Stake Bank Chairman and shareholder Michael Feinstein. FECTAB called a press conference in Belize City today to say they feel the government’s efforts to support the tourism industry are misplaced. Tour operator Yohny Rosado says that he feels the government should have given its support to the Port of Magical Belize project instead. 

Yohny Rosado, Tour Operator: “The one that we see most adequate is magical port. We are not with Gegg, but it’s not about me and David, nor Anthony Mahler it’s for the industry for to create employment. Mr. Gegg had a presentation and he’s looking for his definitive agreement and it can start by next week, next month, next year. The one on Stake Bank, we’ve been seeing that for the past 15 years. Right after Mr. Feinstein stole the tourist village in 2002, 2004. Two years after, we knew about Stake Bank. But we didn’t make noise because it was a far way bone. So the government knows, they know very well at Magical Port and Gegg is the one to go but if they don’t want they’ll do it in State Bank. If it’s not making enough money there, they’ll do it in Waterloo. And that is the problem we’re having right now. We see where the politicians are selling the land at so much percentage more, the port is in the same scenario. If they don’t flip it the way they want then we the people punish. That’s our honest opinion. If the government wanted to do the right thing, they’d sign papers right now with Gegg, Gegg is ready.”

FECTAB President David Almendarez says he has no affiliation with developer David Gegg but he feels that supporting that project would help the tourism industry overcome some of the challenges it is facing.

FECTAB also addressed a number of national issues including inflation, the university hospital in Belmopan and the Belize Music and Food Festival.