PM comments on Briceño’s departure and Mark Espat

Briceño remains as the elected representative of Orange Walk Central. But his departure as Leader of the Opposition did not escape the ears of Prime Minister Dean Barrow. In addition to recognizing Briceño as a likeable person outside the political arena, Barrow also commented on the P.U.P.’s viewpoint on the Ninth Amendment to the Constitution.  That is because the Interim Leader had pledged support while the Party had staunchly objected to the bill.

Via Phone: Dean Barrow

“John and I took our shots at each other, but it was always political, never personal. In fact I will tell you that on a personal level, I’ve always liked him and found him very gracious. So I certainly wish him the very best indeed.”

Jose Sanchez

“Do you think that in addition to health, the decision may had have anything to do with the finances as was widely broadcasted or the lack thereof of finances in the P.U.P.?

Via Phone: Dean Barrow

Dean Barrow

“Well obviously the decision had to do with the tremendous disunity in the P.U.P.—whether the disunity has occurred as a consequence of money problems, whether it’s a matter of personality clashes—it doesn’t matter. It must be clear to all of the country that there are these huge problems in the P.U.P. And Mister obviously was not able to lead a united party. And while I am prepared to accept him at his word that there is medical reasons why he is going, of course I think that the fact of the disunity, the fact of the constant sniping of his leadership, the fact of his being undermined; must have played a significant role as well.”

Jose Sanchez

“Do you think that the new leadership, even in the interim, will go unchallenged since it seems that Mark Espat may continue as leader?”

Via Phone: Dean Barrow

“I really don’t know and it is not for me to speculate on. If you press me, I have to say that I don’t see how the fact of a new interim leader will cause the disunity to disappear, but that’s matter for that.”

Jose Sanchez

“In terms of the actual representation in the house in dealing with issues like the ninth amendment, how does the change in leadership affect the house business?”

Via Phone: Dean Barrow

“I don’t know that it affects it at all. With respect in particularly to the ninth amendment, it will be interesting because Mister Espat, the new interim leader, he is on record in saying he supports certainly the nationalization. And in fact he was the one who in a statement that he put out together with Cordel Hyde called for the enshrinement of the nationalization in the constitution. So it will be very interesting to see all of a sudden on becoming interim leader, he reverses course. But ninth amendment apart, I don’t think the balance of power in the house has not shifted at all. Mister Espat will no doubt bring his own style to debates, to the issues that of course will be considered by the house. But I don’t know that there is going to be any practical difference to speak of at all.”

Jose Sanchez

“Any final thoughts on Mister Briceño’s farewell?”

Via Phone: Dean Barrow

“Again, no. I really personally wish him very well indeed. As I said he was a politics associate. He was always a gentleman to me and I therefore have nothing but the best to offer him as he makes his exit.”

Briceño leaves for Mexico to attend to his health while the interim leader prepares for his first press conference early next week.