Flippin’ Steps Down As U.D.P. Standard Bearer for Stann Creek West

To nobody’s great surprise, Melvin Hulse is no longer the Standard Bearer for the United Democratic Party in Stann Creek West. The news came via official U.D.P. press release today, though it is couched as a personal and rather embarrassing statement from the former U.D.P. Minister turned political pariah in his party. After opening with the announcement of the resignation, the release states, “I, of course, greatly regret the circumstances that have caused me to come to my decision. What I said about my Party leader in connection with the resignations from the House of Joseph Mahmud and Ivan Ramos is utterly untrue. I freely retract it because I knew it could not be true even when I said it.” Of course, the inauspicious end to a long career in the U.D.P. was perhaps foretold by the P.M.’s comments on Monday when he stated that, where Hulse is concerned, anything can be expected.

Prime Minister Dean Barrow

“It’s a peculiar situation because it is a matter of public interest but everybody must realize that Melvin Hulse is not a part of any kind of inner circle in the U.D.P.  It is clear that he is retailing what is speculation and gossip but he does so as though he knows, and that really can’t be countenanced. But I think that while I don’t want to offer any license to the media…I think your station said they would take legal advice. Perhaps that’s the best thing to do and then the media will decide how to proceed. For those who have already proceeded in a fashion like Plus TV who obviously couldn’t contain themselves. I will sue Plus TV, but I’m hoping that it stops there.”

Dean Barrow

Reporter

“Sir Mr. Hulse alleges that the day before you had called him to speak about some matter, and then he is still Standard Bearer.”

Prime Minister Dean Barrow

“He’s still Standard Bearer now? He has to continue to be Standard Bearer unless and until the party decides otherwise.”

Reporter

“But then you say he is not inner circle U.D.P.”

Prime Minister Dean Barrow

“No I said he is not part of my inner circle. That is clear. He is not a member of the Cabinet. He is a Standard Bearer.”

Reporter

“Can it be expected that he would be removed as Standard Bearer?”

Prime Minister Dean Barrow

“Anything can be expected. This is politics and you know that in politics anything can be expected.”