It's a move that has stunned political observers: Moises Cal, the PUP's standard bearer for Belmopan has resigned. Cal had just won a convention on December third, so his sudden departure is a surprise.
So what is it that would make a politician in good standing step down so suddenly, particularly after he'd beaten a formidable opponent at a convention two months ago? Well, releases from the government and the PUP were issued this morning, and they quoted personal and family reasons for his withdrawal. But it looks to be more than just that.
In a press release, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reports that it has been officially informed that Cal is the subject of investigations in Panama. 7NEWS has received multiple credible reports from within the PUP which say that the investigation concerns a sum of money that Cal did not declare to Customs authorities
in Panama.
Cal, a former ambassador to Central America, who still carries a diplomatic passport, was reportedly taken in for questioning by Customs authorities in Panama on Thursday. Cal was reportedly asked to remain in Panama until the matter was worked out.
But it seems Cal did not wait - and left the next morning. He returned to Belize, but sensing a looming scandal the PUP and Cal reportedly worked out an exit strategy to minimize political fallout. As we understand it, Cal has turned in his diplomatic passport and the Government of Belize must now wait and see if requests come from Panama or any other government to follow up with questioning.
As we understand it, flags were raised when authorities noted that Cal had made over a number of trips to Central America over a short span of time.
And while the PUP have moved to generate distance and minimize the political damage, the party is under some pressure to replace him quickly. The party hopes
to install the man he defeated at the December convention, Anthony Chanona. But that is more easily said than done as Chanona is a particular man, and the Belmopan committee has also had its issues with him.
But regardless of how it goes politically, the damage in international circles for the government of Belize is notable. As Ambassador to Central America for three years, Cal represented the Prime Minister at many SICA events and was considered a senior diplomat. He resigned from that post in December after he declared that he was seeking elected office.
Add to that the fact that he was allowed to hold unto a diplomatic passport after he left the foreign service, and government has got a black eye that could take some time to heal.
Read the releasing by click here.
