“Shyne Barrow is not…in jeopardy”, says His Attorney “OJ” Elrington

Shyne Barrow

The People’s United Party is once again challenging Opposition Leader, Moses “Shyne” Barrow’s voter’s registration. If found guilty of an offense related to elections, any elected official would be forced to resign. Back in August, the P.U.P. contended that Barrow is registered at number eighty King Street, a location they claimed that he does not reside. The court dismissed the matter when the claimants failed to show up for the hearing. The challenge has resurfaced inside the Belize City Magistrates Court. After hearing both sides on Tuesday, the Chief Magistrate has reserved her ruling for Friday, November twenty-fifth. Today, we spoke with attorney Orson Elrington, who sought to clarify that the Opposition Leader is not in any trouble.

Orson “OJ” Elrington

Orson “OJ” Elrington, Attorney-at-law

“What is being reviewed is a review of the decision by the registering officer to register the honourable, Shyne Barrow. It is not him who is before the court. Who they are challenging is the decision of the registering officer. Of course, Mr Barrow has representation on the processing because he wants to remain on the role and he knows that the was lawfully placed on the role  but really and truly who is being questioned is the decision of the registering officer who is a government official and the person responsible for placing persons on the voters role. I saw the news story last night and I thought it was most regrettable because it totally misrepresents what is  happening before the court, the honourable doctor Shyne Barrow is not before the court in any type of criminal proceedings or for any claim  of offense whatsoever. So, it is not that he is in jeopardy whatsoever, because he is not before the court. The elections and boundaries department has not accused him of any impropriety whatsoever or that he is guilty of any offense whatsoever. In fact it is the reverse. The elections and boundaries department through the registering officer has said that he is lawfully on the voters list.”