Erwin Contreras Ditches Senate Inquiry; Hearings Halted

Former Minister of Economic Development Erwin Contreras was a no-show at today’s scheduled senate inquiry.  A notice issued by the National Assembly this afternoon says that the former Cayo West Area Representative refused to appear before the Senate Special Select Committee.  In the days leading up to the general elections in November 2020, Contreras signed the dubious Definitive Agreement with Portico Enterprises Limited.  This was for the development of the Port of Magical Belize, a project that is spearheaded by David Gegg.  Contreras’ absence halted the hearing that was scheduled for today.  A public notice this afternoon reads, “the committee is most disappointed at this information as Mister Contreras has already admitted that he signed the Definitive Agreement which committed the Government and the people of Belize to grant Portico financial concessions worth hundreds of millions of dollars for thirty years.  Contreras is the only person and former government minister who can explain why he signed the agreement.”