Ashley Rocke Defends Vote as Being “In Nation’s Best Interest”

Ashley Rocke

Pastor Rocke, who has kept a low profile in the wake of the controversial vote, was candid earlier today when he explained to News Five the rationale behind the vote not to support a Senate Select Committee. In breaking his silence, he says that while he did not object to an investigation, the counterproposal made by Senator Godwin Hulse was in his view, a better alternative. Senator Rocke maintains that the vote was taken with the best interest of the Belizean people at heart.

Pastor Ashley Rocke, Senator for Churches

“One of the things people will know about me, if they know me from the time I was a unionist, know me in the church, you will know that the wider body is always my preference. The motion made by the Opposition, in my mind it was skewed to a few.  I remember that we had a previous situation and that during the Social Security situation and truthfully I don’t recall that amounting to anything.  However, at the option of having a wider body to do this investigation, I was not opposed to an investigation.  I was supportive of an investigation.  The only issue was that during the Senate meeting only one was proposed when I said yes, but when the alternative was presented I am a man, if you know anything about me, I will choose and I will choose, like I said, in the best interest of everybody.”

Isani Cayetano

“Now you have come under fire for that position and maybe to some you have lost some confidence and they are calling for your removal.  What do you say to these individuals who have you misunderstood or have now become your detractors, so to speak?”

Ashley Rocke

“I want to say to them it was not my intention to hurt anybody but to simply do what I believe was going to be beneficial for everybody .”

Isani Cayetano

“Final question for me sir, there are those who maintain that this is a political spin.  This is the influence of functionaries of the ruling party and this is the outcome of that particular maneuver.  Would you lend any credence to this?  Would you be able to respond one way or the other?”

Ashley Rocke

“I may not support your opinion but I will go to the ends of the world to help you defend it.”