And since we were talking about sugar and smuggling in the north - we asked the Leader of the Opposition - why didn't he go north in those tumultuous days when the cane farmers were protesting and blocking the roads? They were clearly disillusioned with the PUP and looking for political leadership they could find common cause with.
Here's what he said.
Jules Vasquez
"Why didn't you go to the north? Why didn't you go to the North during all this upheaval over the cane issue?"
"It would have seemed to be an opportunity for you to make some, for confidence building with the cane farmers. Is it that you don't speak Spanish? And if you didn't go, why didn't Hugo Patt go?"
Shyne Barrow, Leader of the Opposition
"My goodness, Why would you ask such a question, such a race baiting question? Such a discriminatory question?"
Jules Vasquez
"It's factual, sir."
Shyne Barrow, Leader of the Opposition
"No, I did not want to be an opportunist."
Jules Vasquez
"That's that's... I find that hard to believe, sir."
Shyne Barrow, Leader of the Opposition
"Yes, many things you find hard to believe. But God and hard work has proven you wrong. Definitely, the standard bearer from Corozal southwest was there. The UDP standard bearer from Orange Walk South also was there. I know that, Hugo Patt was in communication, direct communications with all of the associations, including with this BSCFA. So I personally did not go because I did not want to be seen as as an opportunist and trying to exploit the situation for political gain."
