U.D.P. Party Leader Breaks Silence on John Saldivar’s Victory
In our interview this afternoon with the opposition leader, Shyne Barrow, we got to hear his thoughts on the Belmopan Convention on Sunday. More so, his thoughts on John Saldivar’s victory. Viewers will recall that Barrow openly endorsed the candidate Retired Colonel George Lovell, and publicly condemned John Saldivar. So, what does Barrow make of Saldivar’s victory? Here is what he told us.
Moses "Shyne' Barrow
Moses “Shyne’ Barrow, Leader of the Opposition
“I sent out a notice to the media I believe on Monday explaining my actions after the convention concluded which was to call all of the candidates, including the victor and wish them well. I appealed to Colonel Lovell and Mr. Torres to continue to work in Belmopan but to align their efforts with the victor, which is Saldivar, so that we can deliver the seat to the party.”
Paul Lopez
“Are you any at all surprised by Saldivar’s victory?”
Moses “Shyne” Barrow
“No, but it is not about Saldivar. It is about the people we serve in the party, in Belmopan, Mesopotamia, Corozal North, Dangriga, Toledo West, East, it is really about what we have sworn to do as Standard bearers, members of the house, party leaders. So, what have happened on Sunday is the people have decided who they wish to be their United Democratic Party standard bearer. So, we as a party continue to the other conventions so that the other constituencies can choose their constituency leaders. This is not Cuba where you don’t have an opposition, you don’t have any challenge to the government of the day. This is why I am such a strong proponent of democracy and abhor dictatorship, because, in Cuba you would never had a John Saldivar. You would have what the party leader said and that is it. But, I feel triumphant that democracy has prevailed. The people had a choice. They made their choice and we move on.”
Paul Lopez
“Was it that we were getting a glimpse of the opposition leader in campaign mode when you were making statements in support of Colonel Lovell and bold statements against Saldivar? Is that being put to a rest now?”
Moses “Shyne” Barrow
“I have a party to lead. I was elected the lead the UDP. I did was I felt I had to do in the interest of the party and I have said, we congratulate everyone including the victor and it is time to move on.”
