PM Says Compulsory Land Acquisition Won’t Cost Belizeans Anything

Of note, the prime minister was rushing off as the media approached him to get an interview at an event in Belize City. We did, however, get to ask whether the compulsory acquisition of lands on Stake Bank Island will cost Belizean taxpayers, and if so, then how much? Here is more from his explanation of the acquisition.

 

Prime Minister John Briceño

“Well, the problem is not with the center part. The problem is the area that was dredged around the island with only a two-hundred-meter opening for the land. And if we want to finish that project, then that land is essential as it is right now because no work is taking place. I’m told that probably as much as five acres have already been washed away, so we really need to move with a sense of urgency.”

 

Paul Lopez

“How much will this cost taxpayers?”

 

Prime Minister John Briceño

“It will cost taxpayers not one single cent, and why do we say that? When that was brought up to the Cabinet, the Cabinet then said the only way we’d consider this is if there’s an indemnity agreement.  That when this is settled by the courts, if we go to the courts, then the investors they’re the ones that is going to be responsible to pay for that. And also apart from them just sending an indemnity we also have the financial backing. There’s a deposit in the government’s account as a down payment, plus also from another financial institution that will be responsible for the payment. So that’s there’s nothing much more to add to it.”