The Public Service Union and the Belmopan City Council are still in a deadlock over the disputed sale of the hilltop property which houses the union’s Headquarters.
But, tonight, it’s the property’s new owner who is under scrutiny. Simplex Design Limited was formed on October 9th, the day before it bought the property. It is described as a construction company with one single shareholder, Xin Ni.
In the companies Register, Simplex gives its address as 38 Santa Rita Layout in Corozal. But, that’s bogus. That is actually the home and property of Amelio Lizarraga Cal - who happens to be a PSU official from Corozal. Today, he posted on Facebook - and told CTV-3 by phone that no one else lives or has ever lived there other than his family:..
Amelio Lizarraga Cal - Lives at #38 Santa Rita Layout
"Number 38 Santa Rita layout is the property of my mom Clivia Lizarraga and my sister who is the United States. I have been living here at this address from 2000 when the house was built. At no time has any Asian or any other person other than my family lived in this house. How can somebody just choose an address just like that, it's just something out of the norm that I believed should be checked and be confirmed. My main concern was security wise, this person just bought a 400 thousand dollar property in Belmopan and he is giving my address where I live with my family, I don't want anyone come knocking at my door believing this person lives there and then anything can happen, like getting robbed or something. I didn't really notice the address but I have been following the situation, I'm actually the vice chair of the Corozal Public Service Union Branch but the address, I was like I know this address which is my address you know. When some called me and ask Cal did you sell your house, I said no why? He said that was your place but at the end of the day we are very angry about it and hopefully somebody clears up this issue."
So, if there is no legitimate headquarters in Santa Rita - how did Simplex register the company there? Well, they used a light bill - in the name of this man, Sanju Chulani - and Justice of the Peace with ties in the Free Zone. It is a mystery how he got a light bill for 38 Santa Rita Layout - but in the companies register he gave a declaration attesting, quote, “Xin Ni resides at my property at 38 Santa Rita Layout” - which we now know is false. Chulani also acted as the JP to help Xin Ni set up the company.
This casts a very shady light on the whole transaction - since the formation of the company - which was already suspect - is now known to have at least one element of fraudulence.
We understand that both Xin Ni and Chulani are active and cashy Corozal free zone businessmen. So, did they pay for this property in cash? That’s what the media asked the mayor two days ago:…
Reporter
"Are you able to say if this money, if it was paid complete in full, in cash, if it was paid through a bank, if it is being paid in instalments. Are you able to give us some information on the payment to the city council?"
Khalid Belisle, Mayor - Belmopan City
"I can go as far as telling you that the council has received payment."
Jules Vasquez
"Full and complete?"
Khalid Belisle
"Yes"
Reporter
"Cash?"
Khalid Belisle
"(Laugh)."
That non comital response is telling - and since it is now clear that some level of misrepresentation is afoot with the company - it also casts doubt on the developer’s claim that they want to put a public recreation center at Hilltop.
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