Tonight, Prime Minister John Briceno is feeling the pressure of the revelations about the abduction of Joseph Budna in his hometown, matter of fact in his own constituency. And he's calling on his own Minister of Home Affairs Kareem Musa to quickly produce a report so that he can make a decision on what to do next. We spoke to him today at the Third Investment Summit in San Pedro:
Courtney Menzies:
"Sir, what do you make of the allegations that the police department, members of the police department were involved in the abduction of Joseph Budna?"
John Briceno, Prime Minister
"Well, that allegation has been done from the very start. But as I've said from earlier that I'm waiting for the police report, this morning I called the minister Musa, who is responsible as the Minister of home affairs, and I told him that I want that report today. Well, by tomorrow at the very latest, once I get the report. So what is it that they present, and then, they will have to say what is the next step, need to have an independent investigation or what it is. But please allow me to get that before I can be able to comment further."
Reporter:
"But I understand that Cabinet discussed this matter yesterday, well, Tuesday. Wouldn't you have gotten a briefing?"
John Briceno, Prime Minister
"I don't know where you get that information because the cabinet that I managed did not have, we had no discussions about about it on Tuesday. So somebody is giving you wrong information."
Reporter:
"Have you seen the video that was leaked showing that all signs police were involved?"
John Briceno, Prime Minister
"I have not had a chance to see the video. I've been here busy since yesterday, but again, let me repeat. I will get the report. I have told the Minister I want that report today or tomorrow at the very latest. Once I get that report, then we could take the next step forward. And I'm telling you right now, if there's a need to do an independent investigation, I will do it. My government will do it. I repeat, once again, this was not sanctioned by the government of Belize. We have absolutely nothing to do with that."
Courtney Menzies:
"What about releasing the video to the public for transparency?"
John Briceno, Prime Minister
"Which video? I haven't seen any video."
Reporter:
"The surveillance footage from the area, from all government departments."
John Briceno, Prime Minister
"Again, the report from the police will be able to throw light to all of that."
Reporter:
"But PM we are formally requesting the release of all those surveillance footage."
John Briceno, Prime Minister
"How can you do that if they are doing the investigation?"
Reporter:
"We can because we're the media."
John Briceno, Prime Minister
"Hold on, relax. We need to get that report."
