Taking the rare opportunity to break his silence, Michael Ashcroft released a brief statement today. It says: "I wish to inform the Belizean public that Sunshine Holding is not a company in which I have any economic interest." It goes on "without financing the employees of BTL will clearly never be able to enjoy the benefits of shares in BTL."
That's Lord Ashcroft's position and it is clearly one shared by the Government, but the Leader of the Opposition is now going squarely against Ashcroft. Clearly, the Opposition is going with the popular sentiment but is it politically wise?
Jules Vasquez,
The wisdom says that you will not be able to win election without Michael Ashcroft's money.
Dean Barrow,
"We do not seek any quarrels with Lord Ashcroft. We wish to have correct relations with all the major players in the economy. What I have said in the House of Representatives I will say again: no one, no entity, no organization, no group will stop the United Democratic Party from doing its duty. And in circumstances such as these that duty is absolutely clear: we must condemn what is happening."
We today asked Union Representative on the Board Antonio Gonzalez for comment on why he voted in favour of the loan, but he said he will speak to his union membership first. That union membership is having a meeting this evening to decide what will be its position. That will of course have to be a re-active position as both union reps. on the board approved the loan. Those board members did not have the opportunity to see the cautionary letter from Social Security attorney Michel Chebat.
