Shyne Fully Supports Special Committee’s Decision on Saldivar
Shyne Barrow
According to the Leader of the Opposition, the decision to bar Saldivar’s candidacy follows a carefully thought out process during which the seven-member special committee contemplated what’s right for the United Democratic Party. That decision, says Party Leader Barrow, is one he fully endorses.
Shyne Barrow, Party Leader, U.D.P.
“The wording, the exact language is being written as we speak, but the decision is that we feel that it is in the best interest, the special committee, I agree categorically, unconditionally with the special committee that Mr. Saldivar should not run as a candidate and should withdraw from politics at this time. I have reached out to Mr. Saldivar, myself, and expressed my position on the matter before the deliberations of the special committee. I do not want to prejudice the special committee and so I went but so far and I try to be balanced, stating the obvious but allowing for due process and I did not want to preempt what the result should be. But now that the special committee who are comprised of senior members of the party, some sympathetic to him, some really didn’t know which way they would go, I had no interaction them on the matter with the exception of the party chairman who I have to talk to him every day, not that I don’t enjoy speaking to him. But I was not trying to encourage anyone either way, other than what I have said to the press, stating the obvious.
Reporter
“But, a key element of natural justice, if you are going that way, is that one has a right to appeal a decision made against them. Mr. Saldivar indicated in his press conference that he would wish to appeal any decision made against him, if it’s an adverse decision, to the National Party Council. Will he be permitted to appeal to the National Party Council?”
Shyne Barrow
“Absolutely, that is a part of natural justice and due process.”
Reporter
“So, it’s not over then?”
Shyne Barrow
“It is my position, as the duly-elected leader of the United Democratic Party, that John Saldivar should not run for the U.D.P. and should withdraw from politics in the position as an area representative or a standard bearer and deal with all of the matters that have befallen him and, I think, a retirement from politics at this time is the wise decision. Allow for the new breed, the new era to go forward.”
