Barrow does not support campaign manager’s bar in community

dean barrow

Karim Berges, the National Campaign Manager for the United Democratic Party attempted to establish a bar and conference room at number forty eight Baymen Avenue in Belize City.  Baymen Avenue is set within a residential neighborhood and is also where ardent U.D.P. supporter Solie Arguelles and Area Representative Carlos Perdomo reside.  Perdomo, Arguelles and other residents of the area weren’t too happy with the idea and lobbied for the license to be revoked by the Ministry of Local Government.  Berges and the liquor licensing board did not take the revocation lightly and Berges threatened to sue.  The revocation order was rescinded and the only thing that it seemed to stand in the way of Berges’ bar was a meeting with residents of the neighborhood.  But since the neighborhood and Caribbean Shores Area representative Carlos Perdomo are all up in arms against the opening of Berges’ joint, the Prime Minister said today he doesn’t see how the business would be able to operate. And as a matter of fact, he stands firmly by Perdomo on this issue.

Prime Minister Dean Barrow

“Even if you do the math, it seems to me that the constituents of the area representative, the Minister of National security, who are against the license being granted very much out numbers those who support the license being granted. So for that reason alone but also as a consequence of collegiality, I am firmly with Minister Perdomo.”

Jules Vasquez

“So as far as you’re concerned, 48 Baymen Avenue should not have a publican liquor license?”

Primes Minister Dean Barrow

“Yes, absolutely correct.”

The public hearing was held this afternoon at the Biltmore and all the big players turned up. It was presided by the Minister of Local Government, Gabriel Martinez and also present was Minister of National Security Carlos Perdomo. Interestingly, additionally to the residents who testified, the head of the Eastern Division of the Police Department also took part and supported  his boss, against the granting of a liquor license to Berges.