PM Says He Cannot Control the People behind Union Attack Ads
As the union protests appear to wind down, some people are still upset about a series of ads that have attacked the unions and questioned the integrity of their leadership. Did Prime Minister Briceño approve these ads? That’s what he was asked when he appeared on Open Your Eyes this morning. While he said the government didn’t pay for the ads and he had no hand in creating them, he also didn’t directly approve or disavow the spots which aired on TV, radio and social media. Here’s that exchange:
Prime Minister John Briceño
“Let me make something very clear; the government of Belize didn’t spend a single dollar, a single penny in doing any kinds of ads of that. We, as government, have kept it straight. But I guess there are people who believe if the unions are out there attacking us and making the most baseless accusations – I don’t want to use the word – but pretty much say whatever it is that comes to their mouth – somebody have to put the other side to it – don’t you think? It is not about attacking them. It is about pointing the other side. You can’t fight with your two hands tied. It is important for people to see the other side and that is what was done. Was it done by me? No it wasn’t done by and it wasn’t done by the government.”
John Briceño
Marleni Cuellar, Host
“The question though is did you approve of it?”
Prime Minister John Briceño
“It is not something I did as Prime Minister.”
Marleni Cuellar, Host
“But did you approve of it?”
Prime Minister John Briceño
“Let me answer you again. I didn’t do that as Prime Minister. There are people who want to do that then I can’t control them if that is what they want to do.”
Marleni Cuellar, Host
“What it was, was attacking workers who are simply…?”
Prime Minister John Briceño
“Well, I think, Marleni, respectfully – I respect your opinion.”
Marleni Cuellar, Host
“No – it is a question.”
Prime Minister John Briceño
“Let’s end it as that. I respect your opinion. People feel different. There are many people in my party who felt so strong that we are not doing enough to defend the position of the government. So, it is the way how you look at things. You look at it differently. I look at it differently. Can you respect my position just like how I respect yours?”
Marleni Cuellar, Host
“Prime Minister, I was getting…?”
Prime Minister John Briceño
“Can we move to another question?”
Marleni Cuellar, Host
“I was getting to the question – the question was that do you think on reflection now – could this matter have been handled differently?”
Prime Minister John Briceño
I don’t know you tell me. We have done as much as we can and it didn’t have to go there – I agree with you but when you have certain leaders out there saying the most baseless accusations against us; saying the most outlandish and outrageous things about us. Obviously there will be people who would want to respond. Do I write those scripts and do I approve them? That is not something I do.”
