Does Government’s Land Acquisition Fall Under FARA?

Speaking with Prime Minister John Briceño following today’s house meeting, the issue of the controversial land purchase which saw the Government of Belize acquiring fifteen acres of land from an Asian businessman for six point nine million dollars was brought up once again.  The PM was asked whether the Attorney General’s ministry provided legal advice on the matter and whether it falls within the scope of the Finance and Audit Reform Act.  Here’s his response.

 

Reporter

“Did the government get any advice from the Attorney General about land purchased by the government, if it falls under FARA to require open tender, in the case of the six point nine million [dollars]?”

 

Prime Minister John Briceño

“Yes, the Attorney General says it does not.  It’s not under FARA.”

 

Reporter

“If the NTUCB takes you to court which it plans to, do you expect to win?”

 

Prime Minister John Briceño

“It’s their right, they can do as they wish and of course we’ve gone through the entire process and have been careful to ensure that what we have done is under the law.”

 

Reporter

“As former Minister of Natural Resources, how does land that doesn’t have infrastructure on it raise in value from the baseline which was one hundred thousand to one hundred and fifty of land sold in that vicinity?”

 

Prime Minister John Briceño

“I think that’s a question you need to ask the DPM.  You’re trying to find a roundabout way to ask me the same question and I really can’t add no more to it.”