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Attn: Editor
Belize Times
Belize City,
Belize, Central America,

Re: University Toronto Forum on Chalillo Dam

Dear Editor:

In March 23, 2003 article ("Matola Says Belizeans Are Stupid"), Belize Times reporter Norris Hall accused Belize Zoo Director Sharon Matola saying Belizeans "are not capable reaching the 'right' conclusion on building Chalillo dam on Macal River." Ms Matola said such thing. If anything, Ms Matola and other speakers last month's University Toronto forum on the Chalillo dam controversy argued just opposite defending the Belizean public's right voice their worthy opinions through the democratic process. Clearly Mr. Hall has missed point the Toronto forum, which provide an opportunity open and civil debate about very Canadian project.

The entire proceedings forum are available anyone to listen webcast www.envireform.utoronto.ca.

Regrettably, Canadian proponents, including Fortis Inc. of Newfoundland Toronto-based AMEC, declined opportunity to respond their critics, did minister responsible the Canadian International Development Agency – agency used Canadian aid dollars pay Fortis' now-discredited environmental assessment. these parties are treating the Belizean public with disdain refusing account them the open, transparent, democratic process Belizean citizens deserve strive for.

What Mr. Hall failed disclose "source" the Honorary Consul Belize, Toronto-based lawyer Michael Peterson, who argued since Belize has an elected government noone has any business questioning US$30 million deal promised Fortis - the billion-dollar Canadian power company owns Belize's national electric utility (BEL) private company (BECOL) wants to build Chalillo hydro dam.

As lawyer, Honorary Consul should know better. Governments are obliged good deal more than hold elections every now and then if want protect citizens' rights electricity ratepayers monopoly abuse. Fortis has an unregulated monopoly over an essential public service. At moment, Fortis can force its captive electricity ratepayers pay whatever decides is acceptable electricity, can shut out competitors thus denying ratepayers any choice supplier, can unfairly impose costs and liabilities onto taxpayers communities along Macal River, and has somehow acquired "rights" Macal River without liability damages downstream water supplies, property or businesses, without informed consent people who will be directly affected.

Since Fortis bought Mollejon dam proposed building Chalillo further upstream, has evaded formal public regulatory scrutiny its business operations proposed dam deal between its government-protected utility (BEL) its private hydro company (BECOL).

What Honorary Consul other Canadian proponents the Chalillo dam fail grasp Canadians will not stop asking tough questions Fortis their own government, their right, until Fortis submits proper public regulatory scrutiny, answers those tough questions.

To ensure happens, Ms Matola Belize's environmental coalition, BACONGO, have asked Belize's Public Utilities Commission to uphold public's right formal review Fortis' costs and competitive generating alternatives. coalition intends to ask Privy Council Great Britain uphold Belizean public's right fair impartial hearing process on Chalillo.

Ms Matola BACONGO are asking government Belize uphold the laws land order protect citizens' democratic rights. What could more respectful Belizean citizens than that? Fortis cannot hide behind Belizean government anymore.

Gráinne Ryder, Policy Director
Probe International