Did PM Chide the Foreign Minister?

Dean Barrow

And just in case that was a little ambiguous, it was made clearer by the Prime Minister. He didn’t exactly go so far as to say that Elrington has been messing up, but he did say that when he has the need to step into any minister’s portfolio, then his line is the only line that really matters.

Reporter

“Sir Mister Elrington is always the flashpoint or the contact whenever there is any dispute or any sort of issues when it comes to Guatemala and Belize and sometimes his comments do not reflect the positions you take. And from time to time it appears that his comments are appeasing to our good neighbour. So is there some issue that Mister Elrington is not applying what you believe are the positions of the government when we go to him for any sort of commentary.”

Prime Minister Dean Barrow

“But you see sir, you based your question on a judgment you make on Mister Elrington’s utterances. I don’t know that I accept your judgment.”

Reporter

“But it’s on the record sir…”

Prime Minister Dean Barrow

“But, but…I’m not saying I don’t, I’m not saying I do, but you surely will understand I can’t answer a question that’s premised on your judgment. All I can do sir, is to repeat that there are ministers, they are responsible for their portfolios, they make their statements in connection therewith. Ultimately, if I have to speak on any issue in any minister’s portfolio that becomes the authoritative line.”