Opposition Leader Says It is Time for a Change
John Briceño
The People’s United Party’s demonstration was announced two weeks ago when Leader John Briceño released the party’s proposed agenda on campaign financing, making five demands on the government. Briceño is calling for the appointment of an independent commission of inquiry chaired by an international Commonwealth jurist to inquire into the unlawful and unconstitutional spending of taxpayers’ money along with a forensic audit. The Opposition Leader also demands that proper actions be taken against those found responsible for the illegal spending of one point five billion dollars. The P.U.P. wants all contracts issued by the government for over five million dollars to be disclosed. Briceño says that the thousands of people who took the streets on Sunday have spoken and are demanding that Prime Minister Dean Barrow and his government properly address the issues facing the country and Belizeans. According to Briceño, Sunday’s demonstration and rally are a clear indication that the people are ready for a change.
John Briceño, Leader of the Opposition
“We asked for ten thousand but from all estimates from what we are hearing it seems that we got probably as close as fifteen thousand. So I am very satisfied that the people did heed our call to come out and to show that they tired of the U.D.P. and that they want hope and that hope is represented only by the P.U.P.”
Reporter
“So what happens next because somebody might say that the elections is not next week or the week after, so what will you do to not lose momentum?”
John Briceño
“It is just a matter of continue to do the work because what is it that we have to be able to win seat by seat. We have to ensure that we continue to be properly organized and continue to put pressure on the government. We still have case that we are going to take out against the government. We still waiting to see what is it that the Commissioner of Police and the D.P.P. are going to do about the case where the Chief Justice found that the prime Minister broke the law. We are waiting to see what is going to happen but we are going to continue to put the pressure every single day until they decide to call elections.”
Reporter
“Now there are those who accused you of being perhaps too nice when it comes to the government and I notice that you and the Prime Minister had a war of words recently. Is that a sign that perhaps enough is enough, that you have gotten enough?”
John Briceño
“I don’t think that letter should in any way believe that I have changed as a person but there comes a time you cannot continue to allow the Prime Minister to say whatever he wishes. He has been doing that since 2008 that he tries to bully people and tries to insult them. We cannot continue to allow that. I am the first along with Honorable Julius Espat to take the Prime Minister to court and we have won the case. It goes to point out that I am prepared to fight for what is right, to continue to fight for justice and continue to fight for this country.”
Reporter
“But the Prime Minister has said that nothing coming out of that case. Would you continue to put the pressure on him?”
John Briceño
“Well, of course. He has no choice. He can only control the process for now but within the next seven, eight, nine months he will no longer be in the driver seat. Once we get in there we will going to continue to ensure that the process flows all the way to the end.”
