Earlier in the news, we showed you what parliamentarians had to say about the Boledo issue in the House of Representatives. At this hour, the meeting has concluded, but like any other session, it wasn't without its fireworks. On the adjournment, Leader of the Opposition, Shyne Barrow stood up to speak about housing as a human right, where he detailed the difficulties for everyday Belizeans to get affordable housing, and offered solutions.
Of course, he was rebutted by the Minister of Housing, Julius Espat, particularly when Barrow spoke about the 20 million dollars given by the UDP administration to all 31 area representatives back in 2008. That amounted to $645,000 per area rep, and Espat called him out for being untruthful. Here is how that fiery exchange went.
Julius Espat, Minister of Housing
"Madam Speaker, 700 million and when I say a false prophet, it is based on lies. You can't come to this house and say that this honourable gentleman and that honourable gentleman received $645,000 when it is a lie. That justifies me saying a false prophet."
Shyne Barrow, Leader of the Opposition
"Madam Speaker, on a point of order. Again, the member is calling me a liar. he is saying that I lie."
Speaker of the House
"No, he is not calling you a liar, he said that the statement you made was a lie. Please have a seat."
Julius Espat, Minister of Housing
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. So what is the legacy of the United Democratic Party as it pertains to housing. I'll go back. I can't say I lie, because we had trailer homes. Well, you were in jail, so you don't know if they had trailer homes, you were in jail."
Speaker of the House
"Members, have a seat please. Ay, member for Cayo South and Leader of the Opposition, member from Mesopotamia, I will say this and it will be the last time I say it. You, member for Mesopotamia, 42B. I recognize you don't agree with my ruling. I want you to note that's okay. What you are not to do is abuse 42B when throughout the meeting you have been questioned. You've been asking for compliance with 42B."
"Member for Cayo South, Minister of Housing, I will ask you since it's on the record I will use your word if you allow me, don't let a member get into head."
Julius Espat, Minister of Housing
"I need you to help me for future reference Madam Speaker, are we allowed to speak the truth? I follow instructions."
Speaker of the House
"Member, Leader of the Opposition, I heard it and others heard it. Are you going to retrack that statement? You retrack that statement. Are you prepared to make the apology for that statement?"
Shyne Barrow, Leader of the Opposition
"Absolutely not. You ask for a retraction,"
Speaker of the House
"You have done this before. The statement is retracted. I have heard it, you were not on your mic, that is unbecoming of any parliamentarian."
