Julius Espat Says Santa Cruz Debacle is About Respect and Rule of Law

The ugly situation which is now playing out in Santa Cruz, Toledo will likely not blow over. It incorporates the cloudy issue of communal land rights, religion and cultural diversity, possible state-sanctioned abuse and even racial undertones. Apart from comments by the Prime Minister on Monday, which were followed by the pre-dawn arrest of Mayan residents, G.O.B. has offered no official position. Neither has the Opposition. Today, P.U.P. Deputy Leader Espat did comment briefly on the matter. He told News Five that it’s all about respect and the rule of law.

Via Phone: Julius Espat, Deputy Leader, P.U.P.

“We live in a multi-cultural society and we need to respect everybody. The government, I believe, acted hastily. I think they acted because the Prime Minister instructed them to act while he was in a very emotional state in Dangriga. But it will end up playing out by itself. In essence Belize is similar to the United States in that we are in a multi-cultural society and everybody should have equal rights. Once that is achieved we’ll be fine.”

Julius Espat

Mike Rudon

“Do you feel that racism is playing a role in the way this situation is unfolding?”

Via Phone: Julius Espat

“I would hope that racism has nothing to do with it. That’s the last avenue that we would like to go down as Belizeans. If that’s the case I would really pray and hope that’s not what it is.”