Opposition Leader Says US Trip Was About Building Relations for Belize

Last night we told you the Leader of the Opposition had returned from a trip to the United States where he met with several members of Congress and was named Ambassador to the Georgia Senate, and given the keys to Chatham Country.  He also held meetings with Belizeans in New York, as a part of his responsibilities under the Diaspora Desk established in the Office of the Leader of the Opposition.  While he has been in possession of a diplomatic passport for some time, he was recently afforded a diplomatic visa through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.  This is after he presented an itinerary with confirmed meetings and visits in the U.S.  Throughout the trip, Barrow kept his social media followers updated, and this morning, he called a press briefing at his Mesopotamia office on King Street to talk about the tour.

Shyne Barrow

Shyne Barrow, Leader of the Opposition

“I was planning and I was not going to go to the Americans empty-handed. I wanted to make sure my trip was not, I didn’t want to go and visit my mom. I didn’t want to go and take pictures of the Empire State Building. I wanted to use my relationship for the benefit of Belize. And, I wanted that in black and white so that everyone could appreciate the significance of the official visit. And, I have been planning this leading up to my election, and certainly when I got elected it is incumbent on as a member of parliament to use whatever relationship I have with powerful people in the United States and Senate, for the benefit of Belize.   So, all of these relationships are strong relationships. I was received with such warmth and generosity. And all of these people appreciate my professional accomplishment, and my transition from Grammy award winning musician as a youth to a forty-two year old, leader, minority leader of the House of Representatives/ Opposition Leader. So there is great respect with all of these people that I have met. The foundation was laid. And they know I am about Belize. That is why I called Minister Mahler. That is why I called the Prime Minister, because, this is not about me coming back and basking in any glory for Shyne. This is about me joining with everyone, all of us.”