P.M. on Relationship with Ashcroft Group

Lord Michael Ashcroft

A wide range of issues came up during Monday’s press conference when Prime Minister made the announcement that he had reached settlement with the previous owners of Belize Telemedia six years after he nationalized the telephone company. The media wanted to know if relations were on the mend with Lord Michael Ashcroft who was personally involved in the negotiations.

Reporter

“Does this mean that the government and Michael Ashcroft is back to business in good relationship?  Possibly a donor for the next upcoming elections?  Just asking.”

Prime Minister Dean Barrow

“You see, fellows are saying things over there about COLA and Ashcroft you know.”

Dean Barrow

Reporter

“That’s why; they asked COLA so we must could ask the government.”

Prime Minister Dean Barrow

“Anyway, no sir.  There will be no donation offered from Michael Ashcroft to the U.D.P. and therefore no donation can be accepted.  But [to answer] your larger question; look, Ashcroft still has interests in this country, in particular the Belize Bank.  I have always tried to compartmentalize and, as you saw when the Belize Bank was the first to feel the sting of the withdrawal of correspondent banking relations, I went to bat for the Belize Bank because in effect I thought that I was going to bat for the system.  The Belize Bank has had its difficulties with the Central Bank but, as I understand it, that’s expected in a climate of regulation.  By and large, I think the Belize Bank is doing well and we would like to see that continue.”