Port of Belize Calls for Ombudsman Investigation into Definitive Agreement

Tonight, the Port of Belize Limited (PBL) is calling on the office of the Ombudsman to investigate the circumstances surrounding the Definitive Agreement signed by him and him alone. Yesterday, PBL wrote to the Ombudsman, Retired Major Gilbert Swazo, to launch an investigation on the matter, saying that it is their belief that there are several factors that create reasonable cause that a corrupt act or wrongdoing has been committed.  Among the ten factors listed out in its letter, are the fact that the former Prime Minister Dean Barrow has categorically denounced the signing of the agreement, calling it unlawful and unauthorized.  The second factor being the former Attorney General, Michael Peyrefitte has also indicated that former Government Minister Erwin Contreras had no authority to sign that agreement and that it did not have the required clearance from Cabinet. Love News reached out to the Ombudsman who could not reveal much due to a confidentiality clause in the Ombudsman Act.  We were able, however, to get a glimpse into the procedures surrounding the launch of an investigation. 

The letter was signed by Ted Peralta, the CEO of the Port of Belize Limited.