CabSec Walks Out of Senate Inquiry on Portico Agreement
This morning, the Senate Special Select Committee resumed its investigation into the controversial Definitive Agreement granted to Portico Enterprises Ltd. in October 2020 by the Barrow administration. Led by NGO Senator Janelle Chanona, the hearings have featured several key testimonies, including from developer David Gegg. However, progress has been hindered by witnesses either failing to appear or refusing to answer certain questions on legal advice.
Today, Cabinet Secretary Stuart Leslie attended the hearing alongside Senior Counsel Eamon Courtenay, who also serves as Leader of Government Business. Leslie, addressing the committee, reiterated that Cabinet documents and discussions are confidential, and as Cabinet Secretary, he was bound by his oath not to disclose any such information. He declined to assist the committee with evidence or documents, citing legal advice.
“As Cabinet Secretary, I took an oath to uphold the laws and constitution of Belize, and I intend to be faithful to that oath. I have been advised that I am not at liberty to discuss any Cabinet documents or deliberations in Cabinet to this committee or otherwise. Respectfully, I am therefore not in a position to assist this committee with any evidence or documents.”
After a brief back-and-forth between Leslie, Chanona, and Courtenay, Leslie, following Courtenay’s advice, walked out of the inquiry, refusing to answer any further questions. The inquiry continues amid challenges of non-cooperation from key witnesses.
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