P.M. heads to Singapore, Taiwan

He’s been at the centre of a number of controversies including the B.T.L. share sale, a twice-promised cruise port, and a passport scandal that refuses to die. But on Thursday Prime Minister Said Musa began what will be a ten-day change of scenery as he tends to the nation’s business in Asia. The main event is the inauguration of the re-elected Taiwanese President Chen Shui-bian, whose country has become Belize’s single most important source of development assistance. On his way to Taipei the P.M. stopped in Singapore where today he sat down with Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong and other officials. The talks focussed on continued jungle training that Singapore police receive annually in Belize. We have been unable to ascertain exactly who is accompanying the Prime Minister on his trip, but have confirmed that first lady Joan Musa and Attorney General Eamon Courtenay are among the group. Deputy Prime Minister Johnny Briceno will act as Prime Minister during Musa’s absence.