Today at his press briefing, UDP Leader Shyne Barrow also spoke about the allegation of electoral fraud pulled off by the PUP in Cayo North. That led to a lively exchange:
Shyne Barrow, Leader of the Opposition
"One of the issues that we are facing during this transfer and registration period are alleged electoral fraud. We see instances of that in Cayo North, where the scrutineers that Dr. Figueroa has there are being mistreated, they are not being allowed fair access, and there's evidence of busloads of people coming into Cayo North, and you have 20 people, all different last names, registering at certain safe houses and as I said, these are allegations, but Dr. Figueroa will be writing to the Elections and Boundaries Department."
Reporter
"But are you coming with clean hands? Can you say that your own standard bearers are not engaging in this as well?"
Shyne Barrow, Leader of the Opposition
"I don't support any such election fraud, and I don't encourage it, and I know nothing of it, and if it can be pointed out, we will do our investigations, and we will make sure that it is not happening."
Jules Vasquez
"Sir, how can you try and distance yourself from what is everyday politics in Belize for the PUDP?"
Shyne Barrow, Leader of the Opposition
"Well, brother. Vasquez, you always talk about the things that you would like to see change in the country, and I believe every generation of leadership has the opportunity to make those changes."
"If we're just going to govern and lead based on what has been and what was the norm, then we'll never get anywhere. So I'm not interested in what anyone was doing. If we as a society agree that it's not right, let's change it. I don't do it."
Jules Vasquez
"But sir, you don't live at King Street?"
Shyne Barrow, Leader of the Opposition
"I do live at King Street."
Jules Vasquez
"You do not, sir? This is widely known."
Shyne Barrow, Leader of the Opposition
"The magistrate... sir, don't do that because then you say things that are defamatory that was already decided by a court."
Jules Vasquez
"I agree legally, you have proven that you live there. but factually I know that you live at St. John's Street."
Shyne Barrow, Leader of the Opposition
"No, I don't. I don't have only one residence. I have residence in Corozal. You might have not known that. I have a residence in Cayo. You don't know that, and I'm exposing myself as far as a security risk right now. So please, sir? We're talking, it's a difference between having a legal standing and you want to debate."
"You don't come home with me and know when I go sleep and when I no go sleep. You don't even know when I'm in the district or when I'm in the city because I am always traveling. Legally, that is one of my residences and so I qualify."
