7 News Belize

Who Drafted Sloppy (And Costly) Settlement?
posted (September 29, 2016)
As you saw, the judgment reflects what the Government signed and agreed to, not what the Government intended to be put into the agreement. It all comes back to the convoluted wording of the Settlement deed, which the CCJ criticized as poorly done.

So today, we wondered which Government attorney fumbled on the crafting of the document, and failed to adequately ensure that what the Prime Minister agreed to by word of mouth was what was ended up in writing.

The only man we could get some answers from today was Government attorney Denys Barrow. He made it plain to us that this loss of millions of dollars, locked away behind the agreement, is not his fault:

Daniel Ortiz, 7News
"The court used some very specific words which we have to take note of, it said, "unwise, imprudent" vs "astute". Is that a condemnation of your handling of the drafting of the agreement?"

Denys Barrow, SC - Attorney for GOB
"But, Daniel, you were in court the last time when it became clear I did not draft the agreement."

Daniel Ortiz, 7News
"But the attorney for the other side said that everybody had input, and was in Government's interest that you catch anything which would nullify, or water down the agreement for Belize's interest."

Denys Barrow, SC
"But, you're not paying attention. I was not involved in drafting this agreement. So, those who were involved, the CCJ's comments reflect on them. That, with respect, I do not agree with, but it doesn't concern me. I did not participate in drafting this agreement. At an early stage, I was involved. When this agreement reached that particular stage, I had ceased to participate in the drafting. So, Daniel, your high regard for me can continue undiminished."

Daniel Ortiz, 7News
"Which Government attorney took over after you, sir?"

Denys Barrow, SC
"With the greatest of respect, I think that is entirely an unnecessary question."

Daniel Ortiz, 7News
"Would you reject the assertion that your clients managed to pull a fast one to get more money than was agreed to?"

Eamon Courtenay, SC - Attorney for Ashcroft Alliance
"My clients made very clear exactly what it is that it expected to get, 50% of the final award. There was no qualification to that. That is simple and clear. The Government of Belize, the Prime Minister, signed that agreement after having an opportunity to review, to revise, and to propose changes. That agreement that was signed by the Prime Minister, binding the country, is what the Government committed itself to. You cannot, after you sign an agreement, things don't turn out the way you want them to turn out, attempt to re-negotiate, attempt to redraft the agreement. And, I think the court confirmed that today."

Home | Archives | Downloads/Podcasts | Advertise | Contact Us

7 News Belize