7 News Belize

Tourism Minister Speaks On Dark Night Debacle
posted (February 3, 2016)

So Bradley Paumen is out on bail tonight – and his many employees who've been to court to back him up should be breathing a sigh of relief. Contrary to what the BTB told us – Dark Night still has tours with Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines.

And while Paumen is a licensed tour operator, is the BTB sanctioning a tour that involves trespass on private property? That's what Michael Modiri says, and that land dispute is supposedly behind one of the biggest murder conspiracies we've ever reported on.

We asked the Minister if this does entire debacle damages the image of Belize as a responsible tour destination.

Hon. Manuel Heredia Jr. - Minister of Tourism

"In particularly you know that matter is in the courts. I don't know the nuts and bolts about that, I know that Mr. Paumen had invested substantially in Belize and I have seen his project, I believe it is a wonderful project. What happened there other ministries are involved in that directly from the ministry of tourism, I don't believe it is anything that has to do directly with the tourism industry that really stir up this thing to happen. Any license that is done, there is a format that we use where by you have to have your police record and everything; even our local tour guides, they have to produce a police record and other things which will ensure that the vetting committee that does this thing are fully conscious that this person is in the proper form to operate."

Emanuel Pech

"Now the judgement case and the case of abetment to murder, that would be factor into further decision if he will keep his license or not?"

Hon. Manuel Heredia Jr. - Minister of Tourism

"Now whatever the court decides, most naturally we as the regulator will have action against whatever the court rules, that is the law of the country and that is the way we will work over here."

A judgement on the case between Modiri and Paumen for alleged trespass is due to be handed down in March of this year.

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