PM and Opposition Leader Go At it Over Definitive Agreement
Shyne "Moses" Barrow
Before the prime minister shredded the original version of the Definitive Agreement, the Leader of the Opposition was allowed to ask the first of three questions submitted last Thursday. That question triggered a back-and-forth across the aisle that ultimately led to the prime minister asking Shyne Barrow if he was being paid to take the position that he has taken against Portico’s Definitive Agreement.
Shyne “Moses” Barrow, Leader of the Opposition
“Will the Minister of Finance and Economic Development please tell this honorable house why his ministry recommended the Portico Definitive Agreement for Cabinet’s approval and related legislation.”
Prime Minister John Briceño
Prime Minister John Briceño
“Last July, the beleaguered Leader of the Opposition, Madame Speaker, asked, and let me quote, “Will the Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment please tell this honorable house what he is doing to find solutions to the problems that are stalling the Waterloo project proposal which if approved will bring tremendous economic development for Belize.” Now he comes back here to ask my ministry why my ministry is recommending the Portico Definitive Agreement for Cabinet approval and related legislation. It’s so obvious, it’s patently obvious what this man is doing. He is singing for his, or he’s rapping for his supper.”
Shyne Barrow
“Madame Speaker, on a point of order…”
House Speaker
“No, but you are not the speaker.”
Shyne Barrow
“On a point of order, he should sit, Madame Speaker.”
House Speaker
“And you should keep quiet when I am talking. I’ve heard your point of order. Prime Minister, I will ask for clarity of records to clarify what it is that you are stating about singing or rapping for one’s supper.”
Prime Minister John Briceño
“Obviously, he feels that he is doing his job that what he is being paid for. You’re not being paid for it?”
Shyne Barrow
“Madame Speaker, on a point of order. Paid for by who?”
House Speaker
“No. You’re asking a question. Continue, Prime Minister.”
Shyne Barrow
“Paid for by who, Madame Speaker. Madame Speaker, he is imputing that I have ill motives, he’s imputing improper motives, Madam Speaker. You asked for clarification and he said I am doing what I am being paid for. By who?”
