But it goes both ways - and two months into office some moves by the new Briceno administration have raised a few eyebrows. Reports to our newsroom say that a few hundred thousand dollars in new vehicles have been purchased since the government was elected. Now. These reports are anecdotal, but the KREM Newsroom received the same reports - and today their news director asked about it:
Reporter
"Based on the principle stance that you have always taken, what is your position on the purchase of spanking new vehicles worth we are told at least a couple hundred thousand dollars for some CEOs, in a time of a pandemic so crippling to our economy. Does you government want the people to look the other way in the face of telling Belizeans that they must make big sacrifices. Does this not apply too to high place people in the administration?"
Hon. Julius Espat
"I cannot speak on that, because I don't know if vehicles were ordered. It's not been discussed in cabinet."
Reporter
"We have been told they have been ordered for some CEOs."
Hon. Julius Espat
"I can understand you have been told, but I haven't been informed. Because I believe that it is important that we do everything this is necessary especially in this time of crisis that the country is in to set the example. But I can't speak on the ordering of new vehicles for CEOs or ministers. I don't have that information. That is a question that only the ministry of finance can respond to."
