Petrocaribe Money Dominates House Meeting

Dean Barrow

It was a day for spirited repartee, and the Opposition was able to hold its own inside the House, even as thousands cheered and sang and danced in fine political spirit outside. Far from being fazed by the show of U.D.P. fervour and a veritable sea of red, the Opposition made much of the opportunity to harangue the government members in the House. Both sides seemed to take energy from the Petrocaribe monies, though speaking from distinctly different stances.

Prime Minister Dean Barrow

“Payment for six CXC exams for every deserving student in the country…Petrocaribe. Mortgage payments in the month of December for thousands of homeowners…Petrocaribe. Sugar road repair for the cane-farmers that you like to bleat about…Petrocaribe. Helicopters for our security forces…Petrocaribe. More food pantry for the masses…Petrocaribe. Call center training for new employees…Petrocaribe. Concrete streets and road and highway rehabilitation…Petrocaribe. NHI rollout to Corozal and twenty-four hour polyclinic for San Pedro…Petrocaribe. Jobs, jobs, jobs and more jobs…Petrocaribe.”

Francis Fonseca

Francis Fonseca, P.U.P. Leader

“They want us to come here to support a motion for funds which they use like it’s their party money, like its U.D.P. money. I wonder if its Petrocaribe money they’re spending out there today. If you listen to the Prime Minister Mr. Speaker it looks like there’s no other money in Belize, no other money in the treasury, only Petrocaribe money. That’s what’s keeping him alive.”