And switching gears now, we've reported that the government has accepted before the Supreme Court that it has violated the Finance and Reform Act when it awarded a multi-million dollar contract to the prime minister's family's company, Speednet, without first going through the Contractor General.
It's an offense that carries criminal charges but the PM doesn't seem inclined to think that the Financial Secretary, Joseph Waight, should be held criminally accountable.
But when the PUP were in opposition, Minister Julius Espat championed the criminal penalties associated with the finance and audit act - even saying that the former PM should face criminal charges for allegedly violating the FARA. Today we asked him if he feels that now, Waight should be charged for the violation considering the 6 month statute bar is not up as yet.
Hon. Julius Espat, Minister of Infrastructure Development and Housing
"Thats not a decision for me, that's the court. Thats what the third branch of government is all about. In the prime minister's case, the past prime minister's case judgement was given, so I think you are erroneous in that one, it just wasn't written, but it was given publicly. So, a judgement was given in that case. I believe that if you are wrong, you are wrong and if the court decides that you are wrong and there are penalties to be made based on what the court decide, then we have to follow it. I can't say otherwise, that's what we believe in this democracy."
Reporter
"But you've always been a stalwart of transparency and integrity, so you should have some opinion on this matter."
Hon. Julius Espat
"I just gave you my opinion, that what the court decides should be followed."
Reporter
"So then what you're saying is that some entity and like what you did when you were opposition, its the opposition that should take it to court and let the court decide."
Hon. Julius Espat
"But it has been taken to court."
Reporter
"The actual violation of finance and audit reform act hasn't."
Hon. Julius Espat
"The laws of Belize says that anybody can take a person that he believes is violating the law to court. If somebody wants to take up the challenge, then that's what the system is designed for."
Reporter
"That you being a proponent of that should be calling for him to..."
Hon. Julius Espat
"I am a member of cabinet, I can make my point of view in cabinet, but once I moved out of cabinet there are rules that I have to abide by and so that doesn't take away from anybody else. When I'm in the opposition then I have free reign to say and do what I feel. When I am in government my role changes and I will stand for the same things, but I just can't express it the way you would like me to do it, because I am held by a collective agreement in cabinet. If I go against that then I have to resign and I dont think the people of Cayo South want me to resign at this point."
