And while that was Dangriga Town, in San Pedro Town there's a dispute between the area rep and the Town Board. Actually there are probably quite a few disputes - even though both the area rep and the the town council are UDP.
One dispute which was brought to our attention is a battle for control of the Municipal Pier. That's in the heart of the town where the water ferry service San Pedro Belize Express has its terminal. It's a huge operation - with a massive number of tourists passing through monthly - but our reports said they weren't paying rent to the Town Council for the pier. And, that's because the area rep and the mayor have a dispute over another PUP business interest who uses the pier.
The Area Rep's relative is a co-owner of the water taxi service so we asked him if he is playing favourites. The mayor told us that they are now paying - but he's still not happy with the arrangement:..
Hon. Manuel Heredia, Min. of Tourism
"San Pedro Belize Express is paying $2,000 monthly to the San Pedro Town Council. In deed I always believe that if there are 2 business persons operating over there, 2 of then supposed to pay. But at this point, the one that you are talking about, for 2-3 years they have been docking over there and they refuses to pay. So the town council supposed to act on that. Why should one be paying and the other is not? Up to this day I've been telling the mayor what are you doing about these persons that you have been billing and doesn't pay. If you are paying your property taxes and I am not, they supposed to deal with both of us in the same manner."
Jules Vasquez, reporter
"San Pedro Belize Express is paying. But you feel that if they are going to be fair, they shouldn't pay, because the next man is not paying."
Hon. Manuel Heredia, Min. of Tourism
"I always if you are not going to charge one, don't charge the other. But if one pays, let the other pays. That is my philosophy. But nonetheless, it's not because San Pedro Belize Express, one of the partners is my family, it means to say I am doing that. I am just doing it in fairness."
SAN PEDRO Belize Express will soon move its terminal from the Municipal Pier to Ruby's.
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