PM Barrow Comments on Gaspar Vega’s Repeated Absence

Gaspar Vega

U.D.P. Orange Walk North Area Representative Gaspar Vega continues to absent himself from house meetings. He has been M.I.A from house sittings for a considerable amount of time after resigning from Cabinet. But indications are that he is making a comeback under the John Saldivar banner. He attended the U.D.P. national party council meeting two weekends ago, but today he was absent once more. PM Dean Barrow was asked about it today. 

Prime Minister Dean Barrow

“Indeed it is a fact that honorable Vega has been absent for a while, but the rules of the House permit this to happen. It is not desirable but it is not improper. So I will leave it at that.”

Hipolito Novelo

“But he still receives his salary and perks.”

Dean Barrow

Prime Minister Dean Barrow

“Yes he is a member. If there is a violation of the house rules he would lose his membership but that point has not been reached so he is entitled to get paid and yes he is still getting paid.”

Hipolito Novelo

“Would say that that specific law in the Standing Orders needs to be revised because it says for him to expelled or penalized there must me a number of house sitting in a certain time and that has never happened before.”

Prime Minister Dean Barrow

“Indeed practically speaking it is almost impossible for that to happen so I would that the Standing Orders in that respect ought to be revised.”