…And D.P.P. says magistrate was compelled to rule as he did

But Musa was not reserved in sharing his views of why Magistrate Jones made such a ruling, but did express faith in getting a fair trial by a jury.

Said Musa
“In this business some people just insist on passing the buck. And I can understand that, the pressures must be tremendous. This is what we’re dealing with. The fact of the matter is who is leading the whole prosecution in this matter – the Prime Minister himself. It’s his statement; from almost a year now he’s been insisting that he wants to have me charged. And he’s getting his way now I mean I’m being charged and I’m being sent for trial. In fact, he himself has volunteered a statement. So it’s very clear that this thing has executive pressure behind it.”

Cheryl-Lynn Branker-Taitt
“The law clearly sets out what Theft is and the evidence that we presented to the court went in support of what the law is saying constitutes that offense. So clearly, based on that, the magistrate was compelled to rule as he did.”

Jules Vasquez
“Do you feel you will have an advantage before a jury being that Mr. Musa has been a very defamed politician?”

Cheryl-Lynn Branker-Taitt
“If I have any advantage it would be because the law and the facts will be on my side.”

Lisa Shoman
“I believe that Belizeans are very fair-minded people and I think a lot is going to depend on not only the jury poll, but where this trial takes place and the conditions under which it takes place. Suffice it to say that if we do not feel that there is fairness involved, obviously the defense team will speak.”

Said Musa
“I’ve always believed in the jury system, in being judged by your peers. This is not the first time that I’m being charged by this U.D.P. government; this is the third time in fact. First time I’m going to the Supreme Court, yes indeed. I’m not scared of a jury trial and indeed I believe that in the end they will see from whatever evidence is presented that absolutely no money was stolen. And I’m convinced that we will prevail in the end.”

Branker-Taitt also said that it was her decision to direct the police to charge Musa for Theft and it was also her decision to proceed with the preliminary investigation. Likewise, she said it will be her decision to take it to the Supreme Court on the same charge. The D.P.P. said she was equally confident in the trial of former Minister of Home Affairs, Ralph Fonseca.