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The media also asked the Prime Minister to discuss the approval that his Government has given for a new state assisted monopoly which will supply Belizeans butane for the next 15 years.

As we told you last month, the Barrow Administration has passed the National Liquified Petroleum Gas Project law.  This new legislation proposes a model for a public-private partnership, where the state will protect a monopoly on the supply of LPG, or butane as it is better known in Belize.

A new entity called National Gas Company will take over the responsibility to supply the entire country with Butane, and it unseats the current suppliers. All the major butane companies that supply Belizeans with the fuel are owned by one Mexican supplier, but when this law takes effect, they won't be allowed to sell to Belizeans anymore.

This project envisions a new supply mechanism where the National Gas Company will ship LPG to a bulk port facility in Belize, which should, in theory, bring down the transportation cost. They will be given a 15-year-term-license to supply butane, and they will build 3 facilities, which will be handed over to the Government when the license ends. 

The press brought up the new law at today's press conference, and here's how that conversation went with the PM:

Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow - Prime Minister
"Government was not prepared to, as it were, set this up on its own solely by way of our funds, our investment. This struck us a good deal, the private sector people are going to make all the equity and debt investment, government as a reward, or in consequence a quid pro quo for licensing the deal and being prepared to give exclusivity, gets 25% shareholding in the company off the top, so without putting in any money, any profits that will be made, we will get our share and the end of this period, it's just handed over back to government. It struck me as a good deal and it still does, it still does strike me, so I have no apologises to make there."

Reporter
"The letter two days ago from the other that's in existence, they have written to you saying that there was no discussion with them."

Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow
"I haven't seen it. My understanding is that they are if not on board, reconcile to what is happening and may even be interested in trying to secure a piece of the action in terms of the procuring of the LPG and freight charges that are reasonable by way of getting the product to the port in Big Creek."

PUP's Put In Work Today

Earlier you saw the wreath laying for George Price - which was a family function for his relatives, and a party function for the PUP.

But, at the state level, it's National Service Day and as part of the activities, PUP area rep Kareem Musa held a luncheon for the sanitation workers at the Lopez Mateos Park in King's Park. It was also a celebration of the newly painted mural in the park. We also met PUP Standard Bearer for Mesopotamia Dr. Candice Pitts and her volunteer painters from Maud Williams. Here is more about the importance of these two initiatives:

Musa catered to 200 sanitation workers. Musa and his team also installed picnic tables at Dolphin Park in the West Landivar Area as well as in the Buttonwood area. When it comes to Dr. Pitts' group, about 40 kids were out with her.  

Soca Sweetness Coming!

The 6th Annual Soca and Culture Fest is tomorrow night at the Marion Jones Stadium and just like previous years, the line up is dynamite. The Soca crew including Kes The Band, King Bubba, Konshens and Kevin Lyttle arrived in Belize today. Mr. 'Famaly' himself, Skinny Fabulous arrives until tomorrow. But all the artists are ready for the big show. We met them at the Princess this afternoon in their element. And just a heads up, the videos featured in the story may be too much gyrating for the kids, so, Parental discretion is advised:

The concert begins at 9:00 tomorrow night. Music Ambassador Shyne Barrow and his team brought in the artists for the concert.