And while the UDP continues in a state of leadership limbo, the rest of Belize has pulled out the popcorn to sit back and watch what happens next. And in the background, the PUP have their own opinions on the turmoil in the opposition. Today we asked Minister Julius Espat his thoughts on whether someone who has a domestic abuse allegation against them should be allowed to be a part of parliament. He said he didn't think they should, but added that the UDP needs to get it together for the sake of democracy.
Hon. Julius Espat
"You ask the wrong man. I believe that if you are a convicted felon internationally and nationally you should not be in parliament. I believe if you have been accused to the police department of domestic abuse you should not be in parliament, so you are asking the wrong person."
Reporter
"The ones who have been accused and convicted?"
Hon. Julius Espat
"They will definitely give you a different response."
Reporter
"This implosion that seems to be happening within the UDP, even as they try to unite they are still divided."
Hon. Julius Espat
"I don't really like to kick my opponents when they are down, because they are hitting themselves. They need to get out of the dump. The problem is they have no credibility. I see five people across the aisle. I see two persons that were accused of domestic abuse, one that has been incarcerated. I see another that has been accused of Toyota mal, mis - yoh want call it any kind of way. I've seen another that is like a ghost person - total disrespect that never appears. And I see another that lacks trust from her party because dehn nuh sure if she da P.U.P. or U.D.P. So that's what I see across the line. So how can I even debate properly? How can I even practice democracy when there's nothing across the line! That's a sad situation for Belize. I'm being as frank as I possibly can."
