John Saldivar
While the Minister of Labour, Hulse, is saying that he still does not know about permits, the Minister of National Security, John Saldivar, says all required permits were approved. Saldivar also said that there is not yet a stop order to halt construction, and he confirmed what we reported on Tuesday night that the Government is dialoguing with the United States Embassy. Furthermore, Saldivar told the media this afternoon that he was aware of BINARQ and the development on the island, but did not find it necessary to inform the prime minister or other cabinet colleagues at the time of its start because it was not part of their established protocol.
John Saldivar, Minister of National Security
“I don’t believe that anyone in the security apparatus would have allowed for this to happen if they felt that our national security was threatened by the fact that a Guatemalan company was doing the construction. We understand the sentiment of our Belizean people and the matter has been reviewed. We have already been in communication with the U.S. Embassy with respect to some flexibility in their procurement guidelines.”
Reporter
“What will happen at this time with this Guatemalan contractor at the forward operating base? Will he continue?”
John Saldivar
“At this time no decision has been made to discontinue.”
Reporter
“Did you know about it?”
John Saldivar
“Yes, I did.”
Reporter
“Sir, at the National Assembly it was made known that the prime minister did not know about it. Today we spoke with Minister Hulse; he did not know anything about it until it was mentioned at the National Assembly. Why did they not know anything about it or were you the only person that knew about it? Shouldn’t there be a direct line of communication between you guys?”
John Saldivar
“I imagine that at this point we are reviewing our procedures with respect to what people need to know and don’t need to know. That needs to be reviewed and it is obvious that the matter, it is obvious now that the matter is a very sensitive one for the Belizean people and so we will make the necessary changes to our policies.”
Reporter
“Was there a decision to not share that particular information to the prime minister and the house?”
John Saldivar
“There was no decision not to share. I don’t think that it was in our protocol to do so at the time and we are reviewing that now.”
Reporter
“Sir, as it relates to the employment of actual Guatemalan citizens, was that point actually worked out and did the Belizean government agree to Guatemalans doing the construction?”
John Saldivar
“I believe that all the necessary permits were obtained yes.”
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