Tonight there is some new information in the ongoing investigation into "Jota Efe" a Panamanian company with sketchy credentials who tried to get a big contract from the Belize Port Authority.
And they almost did. A press release from the Port Authority two weeks ago declared proudly, "The Belize Port Authority wishes to clarify unequivocally that it has not entered into any contract or agreement with Jotaefe."
But, new documents show that it's not because they didn't try to.
Tonight, those documents reveal that the company almost did get that contract after the board of directors gave a unanimous approval.
Jules Vasquez reports:
posted (January 6, 2025)
We've already shown you the very thin online portfolio of Jota Efe, a Panamanian firm which offers what it calls "traditional lottery products" in Panama.
After his review, The Port Authority's Chief Information Officer concluded grimly
"I am of the firm opinion that this group is not a software development firm and does not know how to provide such services...As CIO I cannot greenlight this proposal as there is nothing that has been presented by Jota Efe to give me the opinion that they can take on any software development projects..."
But the board overlooked that very stern caution and and decided against technical expertise and the clear example of the website that this company was somehow fit for the purpose to lead a major hardware, software and training program.
So, on December 17th, the Board of Directors voted unanimously to approve a 2 million US dollar contract with the company.
6 days later, the new Chairman of the Board, Larry Thompson wrote to the Prime Minister telling him as much and asking him to grant a letter of no objection from the Ministry of Finance by January 6th 2025 - when the first payment is due.
The answer was no:
John Briceno, Prime Minister
"Why are you beating a dead horse? Actually it's ridiculous honestly when I saw that letter and I spoke with the Financial Secretary we decided that we needed more information before it could be approved. That is why it was never approved and no contract was signed, end of story."
But, Thompson did at least attempt to provide some revenue justification. He said, quote, "it is important to emphasize that the payment for this contract will be covered by a newly identified revenue stream, ensuring that it does not impact the normal operations of the Board. As a result, the regular operations of the Board will proceed without any disruption or financial constraint."
That lends credence to what one port operator said about multiple new fees recently imposed on water taxi commuters and marina owners by the Port:
January 07, 2025
Todd Martin Stefaniak, Chairman, Caribbean Sprinter
"So it's just harder for everyone. Every time the government throws in another fee, another cash grab, then the people suffer."
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