Shyne Detests Corruption, But will Allow John Saldivar Due Process

Shyne Barrow

When it came to the disgraced former Minister of National Security, Party Leader Barrow reiterated that despite John Saldivar’s designation by the U.S. State Department as a significantly corrupt individual, the U.D.P. will afford him due process.

Shyne Barrow, Leader of the Opposition

“I totally abhor endemic corruption.  I believe it is a problem that has plagued Belize for more than forty-one years, but certainly in our post independence by both governments.  And I believe that these politicians who act with impunity because they could win their seats four times, five times, they’re there twenty years, they’re there thirty years.  That is a threat to our nation.  It is a threat to our economic growth and it just impacts the morality, the morale of our nation and so I denounce it in every form.  So when this matter came up, as far as the Americans, who I again, not just the personal relationship with the Americans, Belize has a great relationship with the United States of America.  They are our number one bilateral partner for the past forty-one years, they give the most to Belize.  It is something that you have to take serious and my immediate response was that you have to condemn corruption and you have to treat this matter very serious.  However, we live in a nation where natural justice and due process is a fundamental principle of our democracy.  So while the Americans took the steps that they needed to take to protect their national security, based on the information that they have, I, as the leader, believe that we needed to have an opportunity for Mr. Saldivar to be given due process.”