The Prime Minister is also dealing with another prickly local matter that has international implications. That's the matter of Belize's cruise future. As we have reported, the Fort Street Tourism Village and its competitor, Mike Feinstein's Stake Bank project are in court with the Government of Belize. There is a bevy of suits and countersuits - but the PM says, he's at least gotten both sides to the table to talk:...
Hon. Dean Barrow, Prime Minister
"The development is that, I had a discussion with Mr. Feinstein. Had a discussion with the Fort Street Tourism people, the two of them got together and so there is a little bit more clarity as to where we are, if not necessarily as to the way forward. Again, as to where that solution will come down - as to who the solution will favor - I don't want to be premature. I am trying to be extremely careful because any way you go, there is clearly going to be a degree of discontent. I don't want necessarily to lose FSTV. I certainly, I don't mind saying, would want to see Feinstein as the local, be able to proceed with the development of Stake bank."
Of course, the case has already gone to court. Principally, Mike Feinstein is challenging the ability of the Fort Street Tourism Village to collect tax - since, only the government can tax - and all taxes must go into the consolidated revenue fund. The PM says they may have to go to parliament to fix that:...
Hon. Dean Barrow, Prime Minister
"In terms of the case, quite frankly we expect to go to the House to legislate in terms of the so called head tax, which is a caused of contention in so far as there are arguments, so whether it is properly speaking, attacks and as to who really should have the benefits of portions of the tax, if we do called it a tax. We want to clarify that."
Reporter
"The FSTV who had retained the Barrow and Williams law firm, maybe not for you, but would that play any of those who are thinking that the PM law firm - would that play any kind of effect....?
Hon. Dean Barrow, Prime Minister
"Absolutely not and I think you all know me better than that. The company is free to retain which ever firms it wants. In fact going a little further than I intended to by telling you a little earlier, personally I would want to see the Feinstein project proceed, but I have to be careful. I do not want to lose Royal Caribbean's traffic to Belize and I certainly need to know where Carnival stands. We don't want to produce in our efforts to find a solution - we don't want to come up with a remedy that would kill the patient."
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