Two nights ago, we had the first part of our interview with UDP Leader Shyne Barrow when he talked about his party's 49th anniversary.
But, apart from the 49th - we also asked about his somewhat controversial pro business stance - which sees him supporting the Ashcroft Alliance's Waterloo, and sidling up to Vulcan Mining.
Now, historically, the UDP has always been more right leaning and investment oriented in its business policy. But, since the rise of Ralph-onomics in the early two -thousands and its embrace of neo liberalism - that changed - and - as in all things - the difference between the 21st century PUP and the UDP is mostly in name - thus giving way to this newscast's favorite portmanteau, the "PUDP."
But, with Vulcan Mining, the pro business Briceno Administration has taken a more populist stance, backing the consensus community position that Vulcan will mash up the White Ridge Hills and permanently damage Gales Point's fragile eco-system - while Mr Barrow is much more wait and see. We asked him about the contradiction in recent public pronouncements where he bashed the monarchy and its one time colonial empire - but is now embracing the new economic imperium:
Reporter
"Sir, in recent remarks you have spoken out against colonialism against the monarchy but whilst simultaneously supporting decolonialization. You are supporting the neocolonialist, you are supporting Mr. Ashcroft, you are supporting Vulcan."
Shyne Barrow, UDP Leader
"Well I am pro-business. I believe that in order to have economic development, we have to give the business community an opportunity. We have to give foreign direct investment opportunity again, when I make decisions, when the party make decisions, it is not based on personalities. So, I will never make a decision based on the personality that has been woven in the public about anyone whether it is Mr. Ashcroft, whether it is Vulcan, I deal with merit. Everyone that I know, even in the previous cabinet under the UDP agreed that waterloo was the best project. I supported waterloo before I ever met Michael Ashcroft, I supported waterloo for years on the basis of employment. For you to conflate Michael Ashcroft with historical offences, the greatest crimes against humanity, I believe is a stretch. As far as Vulcan, all I said was we have to give people due diligence. How can Belize say it is open for business, yet doors are being closed arbitrarily. "No, we won't have a meeting with you, No, you can't even get an EIA, No, we don't want to talk to you", that's not you, you can engage, you can listen, you can hear, you can wait, go to the process and if the process does not result in a particular multinational going forward with a project, I am fine with that."
Reporter
"But it sounds very much to me like what I've heard the US Embassy is saying and I know that you tow a very close line with the US Embassy. I get the impression you are very grateful for your visa that allows you to travel back and forth. But, are you in supporting that Vulcan be heard? Are you towing the US Embassy line?"
Shyne Barrow, UDP Leader
"You know, I resent that allegation, I resent you questioning my integrity. I don't have to say anything other than what I believe in, and again. When I come on strong, when I make very definitive decisions that may not be popular then I'd be accused of being a dictator, of being all kinds of things. But, when I make a position, a principle position, the Vulcan is a principle position, now you want to question my integrity. Nothing is worth my integrity and I have proven in life that I am prepared to sacrifice everything for my integrity and what I believe in and what I stand for."
