US Ambassador Carlos Moreno Defends US Judicial System…

Carlos Moreno

Since absconding to Belize in October 2013, many questions have been raised concerning the fugitive status of Dr. Errol Elrington, sibling of Foreign Affairs Minister Wilfred ‘Sedi’ Elrington.  In the wake of initial media coverage, many, including Prime Minister Barrow, would chime in on the matter and subsequently the Minister of Foreign Affairs himself.  But while there is no extradition request as yet, there is still an ongoing investigation being conducted by U.S. authorities into offenses purportedly committed by Dr. Elrington, as a practicing physician, in the United States.  During a sit-down with U.S. Ambassador Carlos Moreno on Thursday, he informed the media that while he cannot comment on the issue, he expects that the existing treaties between the United States and Belize will be exercised accordingly should there be a request for Elrington.

Reporter

“In relation to Dr. Errol Elrington, will the U.S. make a move to have him extradited to the U.S. given the charges against him and are you able to clearly establish how in such cases it reaches a point where someone is placed on a wanted list and what kind of evidence could have been gotten?”

Carlos Moreno, U.S. Ambassador to Belize

“I’m not at liberty to comment on what measures the United States Government, particularly the Inspector General of the Department of Health Services has actually filed charges against Dr. Elrington and the Government of Belize.  But I will say that I agree with the comments of Prime Minister Barrow mentioned in connection with this episode and that is that the United States and the country of Belize have certain protocols and treaties that regulate matters of extradition.  It’s my hope, it’s my expectation that those protocols and treaties would be followed.  As a former judge I have full confidence in the rule of law and I have full confidence in the judicial system of the United States, having spent forty years as a lawyer and twenty-five of those years as a judge on both state and appellate courts.  And finally, I would say that I’ve been very proud of the measure of the quality of justice provided by the United States judicial system and I would measure that against any judicial system in the world.”