Shyne Barrow: From Rookie Politician to Leader of the Opposition

Barrow will officially take over as Leader of the Opposition following a swearing-in ceremony, but many still see him as a political newbie, with the 2020 general elections serving as his first real foray into Belizean politics.  So how will he hold up amid what appears to be a sustained attack by members of the Briceño administration?  That’s the question we asked him today.

Isani Cayetano

“You are now the Leader of the Opposition, you are the face of the United Democratic Party in the house, but you’re also a neophyte politician.  You’re a newcomer to politics in Belize as a first-time area representative and it would require some fairly thick skin for you to stand up to the blows that are dealt in the house, as we’ve seen seems to be par for the course for politicians these days at the house.  How do you plan to represent not only the people of your constituency but the party on a whole, seeing as though you’re a relative newcomer?”

Shyne Barrow

Shyne Barrow, Leader of the Opposition

“I can tell you that, I won’t say who but one of the best speakers in the House of Representatives ever, complimented me on my last performance as to how outstanding it was.  So I don’t think there can be any question as to my performance in the house.”

Isani Cayetano

“You’ve been asked to check with your father and all of these insults have been hurled against you in the house…”

Shyne Barrow

“Let me stop you right there.  Let me stop you right there.  That reflects poorly on the people behaving in that fashion.  That doesn’t reflect poorly on me and in my last presentation where I was commended by the Honorable Kareem Musa for my presentation, my intervention on crime and violence so there can be no doubt as to my capacity to contribute to the debate.”