The People’s United Party calls on the Government of Belize to immediately engage in constructive and ‘real’ intervention on behalf of local Belizean tender operators who are in danger of losing their sizable investments and the security offered by their critical roles in the cruise tourism industry. GOB must act decisively to ensure that the livelihoods of these local operators be protected and that Belizeans not be victimized in order to benefit a foreign interest allegedly working in collaboration with a well-placed UDP insider.

At a meeting held with the Leader of the Opposition Hon. John Briceño, local operators confirmed that over the past 22 years they have offered safe and reliable servicing of all cruise ships entering Belizean waters with an impeccable and unimpeachable record. Through continued investment, these local operators have managed to keep pace with the demands of the industry and their contributions to that industry cannot be overstated.

It is ludicrous that these important local tourism stakeholders, who employ over a hundred Belizeans, were given just a few days notice that they had been replaced and their services would no longer be needed. It defies credibility that the government and tourism authorities claim that they were completely unaware of the impending crisis.

The People’s United Party maintains its position that the roles of Belizeans in the tourism industry be protected, fostered and enhanced at all costs. The Party will follow with interest the promised negotiations between tourism stakeholders, the Prime Minister and cruise company representatives. If the outcome of those negotiations is not favourable to our established Belizean tender operators, the PUP stands ready to join forces with these tourism stakeholders to do whatever is necessary to protect local interests.

Ends.