Are Herman Longsworth and Phillip Willoughby Assuming Diplomatic Posts in US?

Wilfred Elrington

From critical regional matters to political postings – since we had the opportunity, we asked the Foreign Minister to confirm reports of diplomatic assignments. Both Herman Longsworth and Phillip Willoughby stepped aside to make way for Tracy Taegar Panton who eventually won the Albert division. Both claimed on national television that they decided to do so simply for the good of the party which they love so much. Those in the political know, know there’s no such thing as selfless politicking, so it came as no surprise when reports surfaced that both Longsworth and Willoughby were heading to foreign climes. 

Wilfred Elrington, Minister of Foreign Affairs

“I know a little bit more in relation to the Longsworth one than I do with respect to Willoughby. I’ve spoken to Longsworth and I’ve spoken to my C.E.O. in relation to Mister Longsworth and I know that he was to do the consular work in New York. That is thinking, that is the plan and I think that they are making budgetary arrangements for that. I don’t know where the Willoughby one stands. I haven’t spoken to Phillip on that. I don’t think I’ve ever spoken to him about it in any detail and I haven’t gotten any information from my C.E.O. on that as well so I don’t know where it stands.”

Reporter

“Do you have any details on Miss Diane Haylock being given a post or being appointed to one of those diplomatic positions?”

Wilfred Elrington

“Again, I don’t have any details on any of that because diplomats are appointed by the Prime Minister and so he would come and notify us in the cabinet of his intention and invite comments. But I think it is mostly because of his democratic bent; he makes that decision and he really doesn’t have to ask our position or even our advice.”

Reporter

“But has there been any confirmation to Miss Diane Haylock taking up one of those seats?”

Wilfred Elrington

“He has not advised me of any of that. That does not mean that he may not be thinking about giving her an appointment; it is simply that he has not raised the matter with me.”

Reporter

“Sir can you give us additional information as to Mister Longsworth’s one? What specific role will he be playing there?”

Wilfred Elrington

“You have two roles that the country offers, you know. You have this kind of representation at the United Nations or at the O.A.S.  So that is one role that diplomats play. And then you have the role where they are there primarily to look after the interest of Belizeans who are abroad and others who want to come to Belize and need to get visas and the like. My understanding is that the latter course of action is the one that Longsworth is interested in. he is going to be made the consular officer, representative for consular matters in New York.”