P.U.P. Calls Suspension of Espat “An Attack on Democracy”

The political brouhaha at the sitting of the House of Representatives on Friday remains at the forefront of national discourse tonight.  It is the first time that security forces are used to physically remove a sitting member from within the House.  The back and forth between Speaker Michael Peyrefitte and Cayo South Area Representative Julius Espat subsequently led to Espat’s suspension and had the effect of muzzling his anticipated presentation on the immigration hustle.  While he did not exit the Assembly Building quietly, the ruction that ensued in the wake of Espat’s ejection is a public embarrassment.  The People’s United Party says it has had enough and is calling for the removal of the Speaker.  Party Leader John Briceño maintains that Peyrefitte acted unprofessionally in his parliamentary capacity.  The P.U.P., in a press conference held today, is also calling for Espat’s immediate reinstatement to the House and blames the government squarely for the commotion that occurred on Friday.

John Briceño

John Briceño, Party Leader, P.U.P.

“What happened in the House of Representatives last week Friday was not only a national embarrassment and a disgrace but also a direct, calculated attack on our Belizean democracy.  And what was the cause of this dark day in our democracy?  U.D.P. corruption.  It is now clear that what transpired at last Friday’s house sitting was no coincidence.  It was planned and designed by the U.D.P. leadership.  Let us not forget that the Honorable Julius Espat, the member for Cayo South, was debating the Auditor General’s report on immigration, revealing the findings of the worst passport scandal in Belizean history.  He was revealing to the Belizean people that this U.D.P. government has issued more than fifty-five thousand fraudulent passports and visas.  He was publicizing the fact that almost every minister in this U.D.P. cabinet, including the prime minister is implicated in the mother of all scandals.  What was being exposed was undeniable, widespread and deep-rooted proof of corrupt dealings by U.D.P. ministers, counselors and their supporters.  Honorable Espat was exposing the hypocrisy of the prime minister and unprecedented corruption by the U.D.P. administration.  He was doing his job.  He was serving the people and so we demand an apology from the Speaker, the immediate lifting of the suspension of Honorable Julius Espat and the restoration of all his rights and privileges as a member.”