May, 2024 - Channel 5 Belize

David Gegg Returns to Senate Special Select Committee’s Public Hearing

The Senate Special Select Committee’s public hearing resumed today inside the National Assembly. The committee is tasked with looking into the Portico Definitive Agreement. And, this morning David Gegg, the principal of Portico Enterprises Limited, was once again called to testify before the committee. Gegg, unlike other individuals who have been called before the committee, has been candid about the company’s affairs and signing of the agreement. The four-hundred-million-dollar project remains in limbo. Viewers may recall that former U.D.P. minister, Tracy Panton, who served as the Minister of State in the Ministry of Investments, was the first person to testify before the committee back in December 2023. She told the committee that she did not see, nor did she read the definitive agreement. Today, Gegg asserted that Panton never supported Portico Enterprises Limited for any reason other than her allegiance was elsewhere.

David Gegg, Developer, Portico Enterprises Limited

“She would never have supported our project Senator, you know that. She was firmly committed to the other one. She was out there with a shovel digging dirt at the time they had groundbreaking. Totally committed to the other one and did everything she could to prevent our project from materializing.”

Kevin Herrera, Senator

“So you don’t believe there was anything you could have done to satisfy?”

David Gegg

“I couldn’t compete with Mr. Feinstein.”

Kevin Herrera

“What do you mean by that?”

David Gegg

“His resources for support were far greater than ours and besides that we had commitments through our relationship with Boskalis that we could not provide any money to any minister for anything whatsoever. That was written in our agreement with them.”

Kevin Herrera

“I know the letter that was written to the prime minister was also copied to Ms. Panton, do you believe she may have seen that letter?”

David Gegg

“I believe she tore it up.”

Kevin Herrera

“Why did you say that?”

David Gegg

“Because she did not want our project to proceed.”

Portico Developer Says Contreras Signed Agreement with Conditions

As we have reported, the Portico Definitive Agreement was signed in 2020 by Erwin Contreras, the former U.D.P. Minister of Economic Development. During today’s session Gegg noted that he met with Contreras after receiving word that the project’s environmental clearance would not be approved because the National Environmental Appraisal Committee did not have a quorum when the matter was deliberated. Gegg says the former minister informed him that he would sign the agreement if certain conditions were included in the document.

David Gegg, Developer, Portico Enterprises Limited

“That we certainly felt was necessary to get the Definitive Agreement and when I was told after the August twenty-eight meeting, I felt really good about that, and then a few days later we were told no quorum, so we don’t have it. It was after that in sheer frustration and disgust that I went to meet with Mr. Contreras to share with him what had happened, and he said clearly that we don’t have an environment clearance so he doesn’t think he can accommodate the signing of a definitive agreement. I pointed out that the Harvest Caye agreement had been signed without them first getting environmental clearance. The long and short of it is that Minister Contreras got back to us and said if we are prepared to implement certain conditions precedent, including that in the absence of environmental clearance, documents is not enforceable then he would sign it and that is what he signed, the document he signed really was of no value to us because without environment clearance we had nothing to stand on.”

Portico Says They Did Not Hide Definitive Agreement from Public

The Definitive Agreement was signed on October first, 2020, in Belmopan. But why was the signing of the document not made public? That was one of the questions posed to David Gegg during today’s senate inquiry. He responded by saying that Portico Enterprises Limited had nothing to hide, adding that mischief makers are pushing that narrative.

David Gegg, Developer, Portico Enterprises Limited

“I was told it could be signed on such and such a date. I came to Belmopan, and it was signed.”

Kevin Herrera, Senator

“Was there any press release or any type of public statement that day?”

David Gegg

“I don’t think there is a press release for any sort of definitive agreement that was signed by any minister of this country. It was never something that is publicized. This Definitive Agreement became scandalous because certain individuals wanted to get it out there and make it scandalous. There are a lot of agreements in the country that we hear nothing about and seek no information on because it is none of our business.”

Kevin Herrera

“Was there any request that this be placed under wraps?”

David Gegg

“I am glad you asked that because the suggestion has constantly been that we chose to hide it and that is totally not true. BTIA had a full day function in Belize City, and I think it was in May 2022. I was invited to make a presentation as well Dr. Dione Chamberlin on behalf of the Port of Belize and Mr. Feinstein on behalf of Stake Bank. Dr. Chamberlin and I showed up, Mr. Feinstein did not. On that day in my presentation, I said publicly that we had a definitive agreement that had been signed on such a day and we had environmental clearance that had been signed a year before. I did not try to hide the fact that we had a definitive agreement. Other mischief makers out there were alluding to the suggestion that it was being hidden. We don’t go out there and hang up our documents to the public.”

Kevin Herrera

“Were you promised by the current administration that they would be taking legislation to parliament?”

David Gegg

“Yes, as they are obliged to do through the definitive agreement. The agreement speaks to the fact that they are obliged to do that.”

Kevin Herrera

“Were you taken a back that the Cabinet meeting turned out as it did?

David Gegg

“I was taken a back by the fact that it took them so long to do something, then yes I was taken aback when I heard the results of it.”

Senator Chanona and Developer Gegg Faces Off in Senate Inquiry

Senator Janelle Chanona pressed developer David Gegg further on the lack of publicity behind the Portico Definitive Agreement when it was initially signed. She asserted that any investor would want to publicize such a huge achievement if it was intended for the benefit of Belizeans. Here is how that exchange played out.

Janelle Chanona, Senator

“Even before last year when this inquiry commenced, why no fanfare, why nobody is talking about it before that Cabinet leak?”

David Gegg, Developer, Portico Enterprises Limited

“Because the attacks by my competitors were continuous, daily nightly, social media, and I said let me just do my thing in the corner and here I am today and where are they?”

Janelle Chanona

“I can’t help but feel that if you had this and this project is what you say it is, would it have mattered what any critic said?”

David Gegg

“Senator I have a lot of contacts in the industry, the people who know they will benefit from the project, they are the ones I keep in contact with. I don’t have to go on TV and say this and that. I don’t even have social media, YouTube or whatever, Facebook, I don’t even have a Facebook, I don’t need it. There are too many garbage out there. I have my support, grass roots people on the ground who knows they are going to benefit from this project when it materializes. They are the ones who count.”

ComPol Williams: “Politics is Out of the Question, for Now”

Since his re-election to the Association of Caribbean Commissioners of Police executive, ComPol Williams says he is focused on executing his commitments to Belize and the regional organizations he serves. When we asked him about his political aspirations, he says that politics is out of the question, but just for now. He also took a shot at the Leader of the Opposition, Moses “Shyne” Barrow in his remarks. Here is what he had to say.

Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police

“Like I said, there is nothing wrong to think, to think about what you want to do, about where you want to go, nothing wrong with thinking. And I have been thinking about what I want to do when I leave the commissionership. Yes, I am an attorney I can go an practice law, but that is something I really want to do. I fight all my life to keep criminal behind bars. I don’t foresee myself fighting to take criminals out. I don’t so I have to think what would be next for me. Yes, going to politics looks very attractive. So I am thinking about it. It does not mean because you think of something means you are going to do it or it is going to happen. I am more at this time focused on doing what I can to achieve the objectives of the police department and by extension the country of Belize and likewise to fulfill my commitment to the other two police associations that I have in Central America and the Caribbean. So for now politics is out of the question, so you can tell my friend, the leader of the opposition, that he can rest for now. I am more focused on ensuring I do what needs to be done to keep this country safe.”

Shyne Barrow: “I don’t have anything personal with Chester.”

Commissioner of Police Chester Williams and Opposition Leader Shyne Barrow have locked horns recently and both men have used their opportunity in the media to engage in a war of words. But many have questioned whether the sharp exchange of criticisms is necessary and whether the ComPol should be opining on political matters. Earlier today, Barrow cleared the air on the verbal spat.

Shyne Barrow, Leader of the Opposition

“Let me be clear when it comes to the Commissioner of Police. I don’t have anything personal with Chester, I saw that he put up a post from a few years ago under the Barrow administration. I gave him his flowers, as far as how far he’s come, from not even going to school, and you know, building himself to go to law school. I don’t have anything against the commissioner, but I do believe, I know for a fact that it was highly inappropriate for him to be commenting on any political activity while occupying the office of commissioner of police. It is not a joking matter, it is not something to pappy show. I give him kudos, I saw that he was on Love on Monday and he has adjusted his posture on the matter after great outcry from people from all walks, not just political people, where he says what people have been saying he should have said in the beginning, that his table is filled with national security matters.”

U.D.P. is Actively Campaigning in Toledo East

During his visit to southern Belize, Opposition Leader Barrow also spent time in the Toledo East constituency where he joined U.D.P. standard bearer Dennis Williams on the campaign trail. Williams has been endorsed by the United Democratic Party to run against a P.U.P. candidate in an upcoming bye-election to fill a seat in the House of Representatives, following the death of Mike Espat. According to Barrow, the weekend was eventful with activities being organized and carried out by the political hopeful.

Shyne Barrow, Party Leader, U.D.P.

“Brother Desho had a basketball tournament that was scheduled Saturday morning. We visited the marketplace on Saturday as well and we attended the Chocolate Festival that they had at the Welcome Center. So it was marvelous and brings into sharp focus the vision that the U.D.P. has for Toledo. I really believe that Toledo, while Dangriga is the culture capital, Toledo is the multicultural capital. When you look at the rich heritage from Maya to Garifuna, East Indian and all the other people, the Mestizos, it really brings home what a treasure, as far as tourism, Toledo is. And I do believe that more needs to be done to promote, package and market what Toledo has to offer, more investments, more P.P.P.s. I know that social security always complains that they have a hundred million dollar problem, Toledo would be a great place to invest as far as the tourism sector is concerned. That was the sum of our activities as far as politics is concerned over the weekend. So the machinery is up and running in all of the villages: Bella Vista, Trio, Bladen. All of the neighboring villages from Cattle Landing to Barranco, everywhere.”

U.D.P. Says B.T.L. is Being Sabotaged by Briceno Administration

For many years, the Government of Belize had engaged the services of B.T.L. Since the Briceño administration took office in 2020, there has been a move towards other another service provider. Last week, Minister of Health and Wellness Kevin Bernard told us that the ministry, including several public health facilities, is joining several other government departments that have changed over to SMART. The recent announcement does not sit well with the opposition which maintains that B.T.L., a publicly owned utility company, is being deliberately undermined by the ruling party.

Shyne Barrow, Leader of the Opposition

“This issue with BTL is highlighted as far as the People’s United Party sabotaging BTL. Since they came into government, they have, almost all of the government ministries and statutory bodies have switched to Speednet, to SMART. We all know that the prime minister’s family are majority or fifty percent owners of SMART. I don’t see how you could describe this as anything other than a conflict of interest and outright corruption. What is happening as far as the government-owned BTL, the Social Security Board invested, the Belize Public Sector Workers Trust invested. BTL being stripped of all of its business, not just for private sector, that in itself would be shameful. But a privately owned company that is owned by the prime minister’s family, it has to stop. This argument that, well, BTL is not being competitive is absolutely ridiculous. It’s just like the prime minister saying the reason we have an energy crisis is because we have performed so well with the economy and everybody is rich. Everybody has so much money that they are consuming more energy, it is absolutely ridiculous and I associate myself with the NTUCB that has written the prime minister, written his CEO protesting these continued attacks on the publicly owned BTL.”

ComPol Williams Re-elected to Serve on ACCP Executive

Commissioner of Police Chester Williams has been re-elected to serve on the executive of the Association of Caribbean Commissioners of Police. During the association’s annual conference hosted by Belize, A.C.C.P. members elected ComPol Williams as the first-vice president. In 2023, he served as the association’s second vice-president. The A.C.C.P. is made up of twenty-five CARICOM member states and serves as the principal regional organization for promoting and facilitating collaboration to prevent crime and enhance police community relations. ComPol Williams also serves as the President of the Central American Commission for the Chiefs and Directors of Police. During his appearance on Open Your Eyes this morning, ComPol Williams spoke about his journey in law enforcement to this point in his career.

Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police

“The truth is as a child growing up I was not fortunate. I am not one of those people who was born with a sliver or gold spoon in their mouth. My spoon was rather rusty. Nonetheless I am extremely thankful to my mother who did her best to raise all seven of her children the best way she could even though she was not able to provide material stuff to us she was able to give us love and attention. I think that is the most important thing one can have in life. I was not privy to be able to attend highschool; in my early age due to the fact that my mother could not have afforded to send us to highschool. So, it was after I enlisted in the police department I went back to evening division Saint John’s extension then I went to Saint Jonh’s Junior College and I went on the University of West Indies and then Norman Manley. Due to my determination, I have always made sure I can demonstrate to people that not because of how I was raised means I must remain that way. It is the first time that Belize has held these positions in either association. So I a very grateful that I am the person to achieve it. The position is not akin to the country, it is akin to the individual. So if I was to leave the commissionership tomorrow those positions would be gone as well with me.”

Shyne Barrow Draws Distance from Diddy

Former Bad Boy recording artist Shyne Barrow has drawn distance from Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs in the wake of video evidence that the well-known music mogul physically abused his ex-girlfriend. The footage which was aired exclusively by C.N.N. on Friday, has raised the ire of many in the music industry, including Barrow, now Belize’s opposition leader. This morning, the rapper turned politician discussed the issue briefly after releasing a statement on Sunday.

Shyne Barrow, Leader of Opposition

“I have been categorically clear as to denouncing the repugnant behavior of Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs as we saw the video capturing him brutally, physically assaulting Mrs. Cassie Ventura-Fine and I have said I want nothing to do with anyone engaging in such activities. End. Period. Any other national issues?”

Reporter

“Is that a statement referring obliquely to Patrick Faber who has been on camera, not engaged in that level of activities, but he has been caught on camera engaged in disputes of a domestic nature where violence is not explicit but implicit and there was a video in 2014 that did show him dragging a woman by her hair down a hallway.”

Shyne Barrow

“I did not see that video, but I do know the other videos that I did see and my condemnation has been consistent. So this idea of Diddy Combs, the only thing that he was proposing to give was the scholarship from Howard [University] which has not come to fruition. I don’t know what’s happening with Howard [University], if Howard would want to still help Belize, we will take it, but at this point I want nothing to do with anyone that is engaging in that type of activity.”