Ashcroft Presence Still Creating a Buzz

Dean Barrow

Following a breakfast meeting between Audrey Matura-Shepherd and Lord Michael Ashcroft last Friday, there has been much speculation on the reason for the tycoon’s presence in Belize. On Wednesday, we asked the Prime Minister for his thoughts on the matter since Lord Ashcroft has been known to sway election momentum in the past.

Prime Minister Dean Barrow

“I wasn’t concerned by his most recent visit because I know for a fact that he will inject serious campaign monies into the People’s United Party whether it happens now or did happen on this particular visit or whether it will happen a little bit later closer to the general elections, that’s a certainty, that’s a given, and I am prepared to deal with that…the United Democratic Party is prepared to deal with that as we will have to.”

Cordel Hyde

Cordel Hyde, P.U.P. Standard Bearer, Lake Independence

“It would appear to me to be mere speculation because we haven’t felt it. I think there’s been a clear separation from Lord Ashcroft and the People’s United Party over the last few years. There’s no indication that he is ever present in anything really, so I think its mere speculation.”

Of course, it is also entirely possible that Lord Ashcroft was in Belize in respect of cases concerning his group of companies.