So what will parliamentarians do?

M

Jose Abelardo Mai

ai says his own constituents have raised their concerns, particularly about the interest accruing on the debt. He also notes that the long delay has helped U.D.P.-connected attorneys make big money fighting cases in the courts both locally and internationally. There could even be consequences with the recently re-negotiated Superbond. But in the end, for Mai it comes down to what is best and right for Belize, and he says that is to repay the money.

Jose Abelardo Mai, Area Rep., Orange Walk South

“My constituents are very concerned about the interest we are paying; they are very concerned about the effects of not paying that bill. But they are also concerned about the amount of money that has to be paid and where they will look for that money. That’s the conversation over the weekend, and I have told you my views: if it was for him to go to jail I would vote no, but that’s not the only consequence; there are other consequences. When you look out there at the thousands of Belizeans that live in poverty and these people that benefited, these attorneys – Naima Barrow, Denys Barrow, Lois Young – these people benefited in the millions. And people are out here asking what the Prime Minister is going to do now? And remember, that we signed agreements with the bondholders too, and it may well be that if we fail to pay this, the bondholders may call in their money in full – that’s what, half a billion dollars? So it’s a difficult situation for the Government – not for the P.U.P.; it is they who brought this on the Belizean people, they brought this on themselves. So I am tempted to say to the public that they put themselves in this position; let them dig themselves out of this problem. But to turn around and blame the P.U.P.is unacceptable.  He must be responsible for his actions and procrastination.”