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It says that even though the law was passed on 19th May 2023 with this specific wording:

John Briceno, Prime Minister
"Whereas the purpose of the loan is to assist the government of Belize in financing the construction of a tertiary level hospital on the Belmopan campus of the University of Belize, which also serves as a university hospital for medical education."

While that says the hospital will be housed on the University campus - today's release says that a whole month before that - on 16th April, quote, "Cabinet gave its approval for the relocation of the proposed Belmopan Tertiary Hospital, to a more accessible location near the George Price and Hummingbird Highways."

The release explains that decision was made after a, quote, "technical report and a presentation on the merits of the relocation by technocrats from the Ministry of Health and Wellness."

Today's release discloses that the explanation made the case that putting the hospital on the University campus would put it at a location 5 miles from the George Price Highway, and through a circuitous route, with no water or electricity near the proposed site.

They say the new location has quote, "easier road access for effective and lifesaving transfers from the western and southern districts; and Improved road connectivity, which saves time. There's no mention that it is in a flood zone and abuts the Belmopan sewage ponds.

And, the lengthy release adds that valuations were conducted by both private and government valuers to determine the market value of the two properties identified.

7news has learned that the private valuation was a total of 9.3 millions for the two parcels totalling 15 acres while the public valuation was for 6.2 million dollars.

A final price of $6.9m was agreed upon with landowners Annie Zhu and Kenny Zheng.