Senate Debate Southern Deep Port Project

Residents in Dangriga are anticipating the start of a fifty-million-dollar project to rebuild the Commerce Bight Port. The construction phase and the completion of the project will reportedly create numerous job opportunities for residents in southern Belize. The project is being undertaken as a public-private partnership in collaboration with Southern Deep Port Limited. So, it was brought to the Senate today for debate. Here is how that went.

 

Eamon Courtenay, Lead Government Senator

“It is expected that this will create jobs and most importantly a new part of the tourism sector which is a marina where yachts can come in harbor and enjoy the beauty of Belize and be based there. I understand from the Minister of Tourism that in Guatemala in Rio Dulce the yachts have to come out of the country of Guatemala for a minimum of three months. They would love to do it in Belize but there is no marina. This seems to be a solution to that particular problem, aside from attracting other yachts that want to use marinas in our water. Most importantly it will provide economic stimulus for residents of Stann Creek District, creating jobs, attracting investments and we believe this will be very beneficial to the economy of Belize.”

 

Michael Peyrefitte, Lead Opposition Senator

“Who are these people? Who is this developer we are talking about that we will give a port of entry to? I ask it genuinely.  I see that the agreement was signed by an Emilio Zabaneh and the government. But, who else is involved in this project? Who are the funders of this project, because this agreement has some striking clauses in there that we could come here today, debate and agree. From what we know Emilio Zabaneh is a Belizean. But there is nothing that prevents him from unilaterally divesting himself of these shares next week without telling the government, or if his company can’t meet his obligations these funders can come in and take over the port.”