Last night we told you about the extraordinary release from the Belize Airports Authority announcing that it was suspending those controversial security contracts. But, that's not the end of the story. Jules Vasquez looks at all the questions which are still unanswered:
The Belize Airports Authority Press Release says some important things, like they're suspending the December 2024 contracts.
That proper procedures were not observed in the issuance of those contracts.
And that all future contracts will be awarded in full compliance with best practices through a transparent process.
But doing things the right way takes time - and so what will happen in the interval ? The BAA says, quote "airport security remains a top priority and that operations will not be disrupted during this transition." So then will ISECURITY and Four Diamond continue to operate? We gather they will, but the release says nothing of it.
Second, both companies have been paid many hundreds of thousands of dollars in an advance and monthly fees under contracts issued improperly. Where is the accounting of that money? How much has been paid? And will the BAA now try to claw back that money - in the public interest? Or will they make the companies provide services to settle it - because if the contracts are suspended future payments cannot be made. This is a gray area with huge financial and operational implications.
Third, the release blames everything on the former board - but who is even on the new board? The release quotes the new Chairman, but does not even share his name. It's Naim Briceno. And what about board members who have been re-appointed from the old board to the new? Also, ex-officio Board member Narda Garcia - what role - if any - did she play in the issuance of the bad contracts and what role does she play on the new board? All questions still to be answered.
We will keep you updated on the tendering process once it goes live.
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