When Will U.D.P. Throw in the Towel on John Saldivar?

It is no secret that Saldivar remains the subject of intense public scrutiny ever since grave allegations were made against him several years ago.  While he has never been tried in a court of law and has steadfastly maintained his innocence throughout various ordeals in which he was accused of impropriety, the United Democratic Party is yet to reach a tipping point. This afternoon, we asked Opposition Leader Shyne Barrow where he stands on the matter.

Isani Cayetano

“For the past several years, his political life has been mired in controversy.  At what point does the party say, “You know what, enough is enough.”  Whether or not the man is guilty or innocent, the attention that is unnecessarily drawn towards the party is too much bear.  At what point do you reach that conclusion to say, “You know what, thanks for everything but we need to reshape the image of the party?”

Shyne Barrow

Shyne Barrow, Leader of the Opposition

“That is very true, but unlike my opponents and detractors report to the public, I am not a dictator, so I cannot make that decision unilaterally.  It is not for Shyne Barrow, the party leader, to say enough is enough.”

Reporter

“Is that the decision you believe is in the party’s best interest?  Is that decision, a decision to purge John Saldivar from the U.D.P., would that be in the party’s best interest?”

Shyne Barrow

“That is something that we most certainly have to consider.”

Reporter

“Do you, based on what you just said, do you see John Saldivar as a candidate for your party in the 2025 elections, assuming you are still leader?  And the second question is, what do you make of the fact that Steve Perrera, literally by 7:30 a.m., had informed me that although he is legal advisor to the party, he will not sit on any such committee, that he was resigning as of 7:30 a.m.?”

Shyne Barrow

“Well he is no longer the legal advisor because you don’t have an option in a matter like this.  This is not about Steve Perrera.  This is about the institution of the U.D.P. and when you take on the responsibility of being the legal advisor, that’s a hefty burden to carry.  So when the burden becomes overwhelming, you don’t say, “I di tek dis off bwai, unu deh pan unu own.”  No, it doesn’t work like that.”