Tourism Minister Anthony Mahler says he’s completely unaware of any plans for a massive resort development in Belize allegedly linked to convicted Australian crime boss Bassam Hamzy. The proposed project, reportedly named “Boss City”, is said to include stadiums, towers, waterways, and residential areas, with a multibillion-dollar price tag. But when asked about it, Mahler was clear.
Britney Gordon
“Sir, are you of the reported plans by convicted Australian crime boss, Bassam Hamzy, to develop a multibillion-dollar resort in Belize known as Boss City? It’s set to be equipped with stadiums, towers, waterways, and residential areas.”
Anthony Mahler, Minister of Tourism
“Ahuh?”
Britney Gordon
“Are you aware of it?”
Anthony Mahler
“Absolutely not.”
Britney Gordon
“What is your immediate reaction to the revelation that such a proposal has been tied to Belize’s real estate sector?”
Anthony Mahler
“I know nothing about it so I can’t speak to it. Usually, if they are going to have that level of investment, we would know. This is the first I’m hearing about it. I’ll check with the people at the Belize Tourism Board and the hotels department to see if there is such a thing. But, you said a billion-dollar investment?”
Britney Gordon
“Yes, a multibillion-dollar investment.”
Anthony Mahler
“So, from you hear that, you know that da fool.”
Britney Gordon
“Given the criminal background of the individual behind the project, what safeguard does Belize have to prevent illicit actors from entering the tourism and investment sector?”
Anthony Mahler
“Well we have a stringent program that we go through in terms of screening people. Like I said, yes we want investments, but we want quality people to invest in Belize.”