And while Barrow has set up a Special Committee of 7 - no sooner had it been announced than one of its members immediately resigned. The party's legal advisor, Steve Perrera texted us almost immediately after his name had been called to say, quote, "I am not going to be a part of a committee that will speak against or possibly challenge (the decision of the State Department) whether directly or indirectly."
When we asked Leader Barrow about that - the reply surprised us:
Jules Vasquez
"What do you make of the fact that Steve Perrera, literally by 7:30am that he was resigning and of 7:30am. I think you sent out the party notice at 7:35am."
Shyne Barrow, UDP Leader
"Well he is no longer the legal advisor, because you don't have an option in a matter like this. This is not about Steve Perrera. This is about the institution of the UDP and when you take on the responsibility of being the legal advisor - that's a hefty burden to carry. So when the burden becomes overwhelming you don't say I'm taking this off, you are on your own. It doesn't work like that. We are sovereign nation; we are the constitutional opposition and no personal consideration should be made when dealing with such a weighty matter. We have to deal with it. The fact that he does not want to face this serious matter is unacceptable to me and so..."
Jules Vasquez
"He said he didn't want to run afoul of the State Department, basically."
Shyne Barrow, UDP Leader
"And that is selfish."
Barrow says he will shortly name a new legal advisor. As to his sudden removal, Perrera this evening told us, quote, "I wish them well."
Later on in the news we'll have more from Barrow - as he surprised us again when he agreed with the Prime Minister that Belize should do seismic testing to find oil reserves in its waters.
