Sedi Accuses Eamon: Disingenuous and Wants My Job

Eamon Courtenay

Foreign Minister Elrington made note that the Cabinet is reviewing the amendment to the M.A.A.  But he went on the offensive against Courtenay, accusing him of all sorts of things and trying to take advantage of the situation for two reasons. He argues that the slightest spook of the Guatemalans could postpone the April referendum, which would give the P.U.P. more time to regain government control and take over the discussion. He also accused the former Foreign Minister and ambassador of wanting the job and suggested that these ulterior motives may be clouding his thinking on the issue.

Wilfred Elrington

Wilfred Elrington, Minister of Foreign Affairs

“Why wait until now, when he would have had information that we were dealing with it in the Cabinet? He just wants to grandstand. The Cabinet is dealing with this matter and he is aware of it, because I think we visited it from the month of April. So, it’s not that he is being honest in his characteristic style. He’s really seeking to mislead and confuse the Belizean public, and it’s a dangerous matter because you don’t want to be putting a nation at risk because you want to grand stand. When we spoke to the lawyers – I was in London about two weeks ago – and the lawyers understood immediately, immediately the possible potential negative consequence of pursuing the path that Courtenay is adopting at this time. Because all the Guatemalans want is an excuse to put it off. That’s all. Time is on their side. Time is not our side. So, if they can say to the world, look, we are going to postpone this matter because Belize is doing this thing, and it’s in bad faith – and I think that personally, that’s what Mr. Courtenay wants. He wants to see the matter postponed. He wants to see it derailed, because I can’t see any good reason why he would want to touch it now.”

Reporter

“But sir, you are accusing a former Foreign Minister, a seat holder of the position you currently occupy, of trying to damage Belize’s diplomatic positions.”

Wilfred Elrington

“That is my view, though. You might have a different view. Mr. Courtenay can’t point to any good reason why he wants to take this position at this time, when he knows the Government of Belize is dealing with it. And you know, there is nothing that he wants more than to become Foreign Minister. He’s desperately desirous of taking this position, and has been so for some years. So, you have to watch his motives. You can’t assume that he has the most honest of motives. You have to watch his motives because really and truly, he wants this job, and he’s impatient.”

You can expect some fireworks on Wednesday since Courtenay has told News Five that he will issue a response.