The Prime Minister returned to Belize yesterday afternoon wrapping up 12 days abroad, most of it spent on an official visit to Taiwan. In his absence the nation has been pitched into what the Opposition has characterized as a constitutional crisis. A crisis because revelations made by 7NEWS show that on March 23rd, without the knowledge or approval of either the House or Cabinet, the Prime Minister signed a settlement deed and a loan note converting the $30+ million Universal guarantee into a public debt.
With that the Opposition has made a call for him to resign or fix a date for elections in three months. The Opposition Leader has also asked the Speaker of the House to call a meeting for the 18th May to consider a motion declaring the loan note illegal. Indications are that such a motion could have some support from the government side, which would be unprecedented. If the house meeting is not called, the Opposition says it will take its cause, quote "to the streets."
So with those complications, cabals, and impending conflict awaiting him on his return, what did the Prime Minister have to say? Nothing. Today government spokesperson Nuri Mohammed told us that the Prime Minister has decided that he will reserve public statements until after the Cabinet meets tomorrow.
While the Prime Minister was away, 5 Ministers, including the Deputy Prime Minister, publicly disclaimed knowledge of the guarantee when the Prime Minister signed it in December of 2004. That makes for what could be an explosive Cabinet meeting, where some may push for the Prime Minister to disclose the still secret loan note and deed of settlement
Today the Leader of the Opposition also wrote to the Prime Minister requesting those documents. He has also written to the Financial Secretary Dr. Carla Barnett asking her not to make any payments based on the loan note.
