And while there are some Belizeans with an open mind towards Khan, Minister of State, Mike Espat isn't so open minded about the Mayas in the south. We told you at the end of January that, for PG day, Espat made some derogatory comments about the Mayas, of whom there are many in his constituency.
Today, we asked his district colleague, Toledo West area rep, Oscar Requena, for his thoughts. He said it was "unfortunate" that Espat's comments were taken out of context, and that politicians are under a lot of pressure.
Oscar Requena, Minister of Labor
"First of all I want to say that Belize is a multicultural diverse nation, we're all Belizeans, whether we're Maya, whether we're East Indians, whether we're Garifuna, or whatever ethnic group and we have all coexisted in harmony, we have lived together, we have appreciate all the diversity, the strength that we all bring as Belizeans, so first and foremost we're Belizeans, we're all Belizeans. I believe that in the case of the Honorable Mike Espat's comments, it is unfortunate that some people I believe took it out of context, some people believed that he may have used the wrong term and I want to say that it's unfortunate but I want to say that as leaders, we have challenges, our constituencies have a lot of demands and I really think that the Honorable Mike Espat was speaking to some of the challenges, some of the issues, that he faces in his constituency, and as politicians, a lot of times people put pressure on us and we have to advocate and fight for them and that is really what this work entails but we must also be very careful of what we say and how we sati because sometimes it can be taken out of context."
Reporter
"But he sounded very angry and upset at the fact that the Mayas are getting what their getting, the FPIC and the communal lands and whatnot, things that they have fought for, and things that were awarded to them by the court. And he seems to be angry that they are getting this."
Oscar Requena, Minister of Labor
"And that is why I said, I believe that I cannot speak for Minister Mike but it is unfortunate that it was taken in that context because I am going to say to you that as a representative representing Mayan communities, I fully respect and endorse the ruling of the court, the court has passed judgement, as a government we have a responsibility to ensure that we implement the concept order that is what we have been doing."
Reporter
"But one time in the House, Honorable Panton, she called a Hispanic member of the PUP, she said a word that came out derogatory, and she was made to apologize for that. Do you feel like Mike Espat should apologize to the Mayas for calling them Indians?"
Oscar Requena, Minister of Labor
"I think you should speak to him, and ask him."
