In the next sitting of the House of Representatives, a no confidence motion will be tabled against the Prime Minister, John Briceno. It has been filed by the Leader of the Opposition, who stated in the document that due to corruption, cronyism, nepotism, and enrichment, the Belizean people have lost confidence in the PM.
And while it may sound good on paper, we know the "ay's" always have it - so there's a zero prospect of success. And knowing the divided state of the UDP - we'd be surprised if Barrow can even get the vocal support from his own members of the house when the motion is tabled.
But, the younger Barrow is nothing if not committed - and clearly believes in this motion - or at least wants the public to believe so.
Today, in a press briefing, he told us more.
Shyne Barrow, Opposition Leader
"I submitted today to the clerk of the House of Representatives, according to the standing orders, a private member motion. I wish we will take a vote of no confidence on the prime minister of Belize and his government. Whether it is outlining the malfeasance, the nonfeasance of the prime minister in regards to the Portico Definitive Agreement, as has been listed out there, his cousin being the attorney for Portico Enterprises Ltd. His Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance and his Minister of Immigration have a law firm called Courtenay and Coye and they represent the CEO of Portico in his personal interest. All of the allegations of nepotism, cronyism, self-enrichment that have engulfed the Briceno administration in relation to Portico. The Special Senate Select Committee to investigate the genesis of the Portico agreement all the way to the confidential cabinet Memorandum 84 being submitted by the prime minister who is the Minister of Finance, and as he has said, "the buck stops with him." You can't blame Christopher Coye. And that is where we started with that saga so we now know that it is a lie that the prime minister did now know anything and just submitted the definitive agreement to say hey, look at this guys, what do you think. We now know that there were 2 definitive agreement legal opinions sought and received before the cabinet memorandum 84 was submitted for approval, urgent recommendation so that it could be passed in the house of representatives."
"These are things that prove that the prime minister of Belize John Briceno has lost his way, has lost his mandate, has lost the confidence of the Belizean people, when 6 of his own cabinet ministers publicly..."
