The “constructive” criticisms of Jorge Espat

The occasion was normal enough: the passing out ceremony of Recruit Squad Seventy-Four at the National Police Training Academy. But the guest speaker’s words were somewhat of a surprise. After congratulating the recruits and his ministry for their hard work, Minister of National Security Jorge Espat then began a barrage of criticisms against his government. This is not the first time Espat has done this, but given his recent resignation as party chairman, the move illustrates a serious rift within the PUP leadership.

Jorge Espat, Minister of Health

“Contradictions stare us at every corner: unprecedented investments in crime prevention yet violence persists; impressive rates of economic growth, but increasing poverty and human misery; spectacular political victories, but an uninspired democracy; larger government spending, yet more waste and inefficiency; bigger houses, yet so many broken homes; unprecedented levels of borrowing, yet so many needs remain unfulfilled. Exclusion and helplessness have done their work on the faces of Belizeans. A volcano of anger swells in the blood of many of our people.

Why this contradiction? For too long, there has been a brutal force on politics and an absence of a clearly articulated, coherent development strategy. We have strayed from the inspiration, vision and ideals of the Father of the Nation and the nation’s founding. For a nation founded on human rights, freedom, and social cohesion, and dedicated to economic prosperity, social justice and individual inclusion, we are messed up.”

News 5’s efforts to get a response from the Prime Minister regarding Minister Espat’s speech were unsuccessful.