Mark and Cordel kicked out of Cabinet

They have been on a collision course for weeks–some would say years–over a host of issues culminating in the recent crisis surrounding the Universal Health Services loan guarantee. This morning the train wreck between ministers Mark Espat and Cordel Hyde and Prime Minister Musa finally occurred in the Cabinet room in Belmopan. There are various versions of the story being peddled this evening, but the bottom line is that when Espat and Hyde made it clear they would not support the Prime Minister’s U.H.S. resolution due for a vote on Friday, their fate was sealed. According to a release from the Press Office, the pair were fired by the P.M. and the new line-up in Cabinet will be announced in due course. And that Cabinet shuffle won’t be made public until at least Monday because there’s a good chance that by then several more heads may roll. Sources in the nation’s capital indicate that, despite immense pressure, Deputy P.M. John Briceño will indicate his non-support and so will Foreign Minister Eamon Courtenay. Health Minister Jose Coye continues to ride two horses and a few others are said to be wavering, but will likely fall into step behind the P.M.