And outside the meeting, the PM called Barrow's argument "stupid," and said it was disrespectful to the Speaker. But we may have ruffled his feathers when we asked whether the motion may have rattled him just a bit, which would explain the 11th amendment being brought back to the House. However, he insisted he isn't afraid of debating the no confidence motion.
John Briceno, Prime Minister
"That has never happened in the history of Belize and he likes to point out about us having a vote of no confidence, well he could have cut and paste, and use the same format. We had not, at any time we did not call any names, we didn't cast any aspersions, or anything else the way the Leader of the Opposition has just done. And so it's disgraceful and it's shameful that a Leader of Opposition would behave in such fashion."
"That's a stupid argument and I say that because like I said to you all last week Friday, look at the numbers. There are three of them in there, we are 24, there's absolutely no way this could pass so it has nothing about protecting, it's simply about following due process, following the regulations, the standing orders of the House. We cannot allow, or certainly the Speaker, she cannot allow to set a precedent to allow such questions to be asked when it's in clear contravention of the standing orders. And he can rephrase his question and bring it back again if he wants on another vote of no confidence, there's absolutely no problems."
Reporter:
"So you're not afraid of debating a no confidence?"
John Briceno, Prime Minister
"Absolutely not, look at the record, look at what we have accomplished in two and a half years."
Courtney Menzies:
"Sir but are you rattled by the no confidence motion and is that why the 11th amendment is now being tabled in the House again?"
John Briceno, Prime Minister
"Why would I be ruffled with I've told you today in the House there are 24 on our side and 3 on their side, why would I be ruffled, it has nothing to do with being ruffled. I am confident in my leadership, I am confident in the support I have in the National Assembly and also in the party."
