Gilroy Usher Supports Cruise Terminal in Port Loyola

Port Loyola Area Representative, Gilroy Usher Senior also attended the public consultation and came forward in support of the proposed development, as well as the economic opportunities that will become available for residents of that community. His support for the cruise terminal, however, was countered by the President of the Christian Workers Union whose contentious relationship with the management of Port of Belize Limited has resulted in a tense working environment for waterfront workers.

Gilroy Usher Sr

Gilroy Usher Sr., Area Representative, Port Loyola

“I am two hundred percent for protection of the environment, protection of the barrier reef, protection of the flora and fauna.  But I also want to say that I am five hundred percent for providing a better life for the Belizean people, particularly, the residents of Port Loyola.  And when I look at this project, the investors will not be allowed to go and do whatever they want, that’s why we have the NEAC.  The project will be monitored and as far as I am concerned, as long as the investors meet the request of the environmental impact assessment, we should support that project, I support it.  I, Gilroy Usher, support it.  You see people, what you have to understand is that there are people with different interests.  I have no axe to grind, I have no favorite cow, my only concern is the welfare of the people of Port Loyola.”

Evan “Mose” Hyde

Evan “Mose” Hyde, President, Christian Workers Union

“Mr. Lane, since then we have had three major confrontations down at the waterfront.  We are presently, in fact, in a couple of days you and I will be in court, we will be in court, Mr. Lane, because you are, and the organization, not you personally, but Waterloo/PBL took it upon themselves to take up a side legally with resources to prevent one and a half million dollars from reaching your own employees.  Now I understand that there’s going to be about, I don’t know what the promise is, two thousand, five hundred jobs.  I guess, in the future, through Waterloo/PBL, we are talking about millions and millions and millions of dollars into Port Loyola and into south side.  But here we had a little chump change that because of the struggle, because of the pressure, a million and a half dollars came and you know where it was going to be spent? Right there, right there in Port. I want to hear how it is that we are going to just completely transform that energy because I think you would concede, it is a very toxic relationship we’ve had.  How are we gonna transform that now then, miraculously?  Because I cannot understand how a minister of government can get up on this microphone and say they are going to support a project five hundred percent.  I can’t understand because it is one thing to say that you support this project in principle, but you would have to at least add, I support the project in principle, but you guys would have to do better with your workers, you will have to do better by the union.  You would have to do that.”