But, not surprisingly John Saldivar doesn't see it that way at all. He has steadfastly maintained his innocence and that he is being accused without evidence.
Clearly, the special Committee believed that in politics, perception is reality - widely accepted conventional wisdom - which Saldivar has rejected.
And maybe that's why Shyne Barrow says he had to plead with his recent companion:
Hon. Shyne Barrow, Leader of the Opposition
"I have asked him; I have pleaded with him to stand down. That was my appeal to him."
Jules Vasquez
"You pleaded with him indicates that he is not in agreement with your preposition that he go quietly into that good night."
Hon. Shyne Barrow, Leader of the Opposition
"I don't want to get into a debate as to what in his mind. It was a difficult decision made today by the special committee. It was painful. I spoke to different members after the fact and it was a decision that some did not want to make, but they said what is best for the party and my position is this is what is best for the party. I thank Mr. Saldivar, I pray that Mr. Saldivar will be able to gather himself and to find meaning and purpose in another role if it is that he still wants to be involved in politics, but not as an official, not as a candidate for the United Democratic Party."
When he was inside the party headquarters, we did try to get a statement from Saldivar, but he flatly refused.
He later issued a terse press release via WhatsApp message, which says, quote, "I have been informed of the decision of the Special Committee of the UDP to refer the matter of my continued candidacy for the Belmopan Constituency to the National Party Council after a narrow vote against my candidacy. The final decision lies with the NPC and I therefore await the decision of that august body." End quote.
That meeting is scheduled to be held next Friday, we are told.
