BPM calls on Prime Minister to back off from Judiciary

The Peace Movement is also calling on Prime Minister Dean Barrow to back off from the judiciary. The organization is responding to comments made by P.M. Barrow with respect to a sitting judge. During the Prime Minister’s Forum in February, P.M. Barrow accused Justice Courtenay Abel of treating crown counsels slightingly and dismissively. The Peace Movement says it strongly deplores the statement by the P.M. Hubert Enriquez says the personal attack against the Senior Justice is unwarranted.

Hipolito Novelo

“Do you believe that the Prime Minister went too far?”

Hubert Enriquez, Member, Belize Peace Movement

Hubert Enriquez

“I certainly think so. He went too far, much too far. In fact in any jurisdiction there would have some action taken against the government in that matter.”

Hipolito Novelo

“Do you believe that he is in contempt of court? Even though he said those things he seems to have an understanding in terms of the relationship between the justice and crown counsels.”

Hubert Enriquez

“I think that is just really picking at straws because in fact they have lost many cases. My understanding in regards to this case and Justice Courtenay is that the CCJ had already ruled on the matter already. They had already ruled that the government had to pay for the Ashcroft funds. It was very clear that the Justice Abel could not have done anything differently.”

The Prime Minister also said that he has lodged an official complaint against Justice Abel to the Chief Justice.