A high court judge has pulled the permits for two of Floralia's southern runs - after the attorney for Griga Line and James Bus Line proved that the process leading to the issuance of those permits by the Ministry of Transport was very flawed and kinda suspect. The runs in question are for James Bus, Punta Gorda to Belize City and Independence to Belize City runs, and for Griga Lines, Dangriga to Belize City.
In a 23 page judgement, Justice Chabot found that the Ministry of Transport and the Transport Board, quote, "failed to comply with the statutory requirements and breached the claimants' right to be heard."
The judge adds, quote, "I also find that the Transport Board abdicated its duty….and the applications are remitted to the Transport Board for their proper consideration."
This means that these runs to Dangriga and Punta Gorda will have to be put out for fresh applications from all parties, including Griga Line, James and Floralia.
But, so as not to create too much disruption - the judge has ordered that the judgment will take effect at midnight on 10th December - meaning that for the time being, Floralia gets to keep the runs - until a new process can commence and conclude by December 10th - with new permits being issued.
The judge noted what she called troubling discrepancies between the testimonies of The Commissioner of Transport, Dian Vasquez and the Chairman of the Transport Board, Byron Sanchez. She said, quote, "In presenting their evidence in this matter, the defendants either made clear mistakes or attempted to mislead the court. Either way, these discrepancies and contradictions did not go unnoticed, and seriously damaged the defendants' credibility in the eyes of the court."
She found that the government agencies, quote, "acted ultra vires and in excess of their legal powers as the Decisions were made in breach of the provisions of the Act and Regulations."
The owners of both bus lines were awarded damages, the quantum of which are to be assessed.
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