Recommendations by Key Expert were Ignored by Redivision Task Force

Arthur Saldivar

In a legal matter that was taken to the Supreme Court by the Belize Peace Movement several years ago, the People’s United Party, as well as Lord Michael Ashcroft signed on as interested parties.  In court, American journalist and political analyst Sean Trende gave testimony as a key expert.  He also presented several recommendations in a report that was compiled during the case.  According to Saldivar, none of the recommendations provided by the key expert were taken into consideration by the Redivision Task Force.

Arthur Saldivar, Attorney-at-law

“There is no evidence that Sean Trende’s report was in fact followed in any way.  Mr. Trende provided three configurations of the possible outcomes of this exercise and none of those configurations are evidenced in what this proposal now portrays.  So no, in my estimation and in the estimation of all those whom I have discussed this matter with, there is no evidence that Mr. Trende’s report formed any basis of this exercise.”

Isani Cayetano

“So you’ve had an opportunity to peruse the report.  You’ve perhaps formulated your own opinion as to where you stand on the report, you’ve given it a resounding F.  What’s next, in terms of the BPM’s role in all of this?  Is there a challenge?  Where do you go?”

Arthur Saldivar

“Well the consent order is clear that where there is any breach on the part of any of the parties, but in this case the only party that excuses anything of any note would be the Elections and Boundaries Commission, where there is a breach and Section Ninety is not adhered to, we have recourse to continue this matter to its conclusion, to have the court decide on it.  And I believe that if this is what they insist on doing, if this is where it’s going to go, that the court will have to decide whether or not what they have put forward can pass muster constitutionally.”