Leader of Opposition supports Audrey Matura-Shepherd
Audrey Matura-Shepherd
The resignation of OCEANA Belize Vice President Audrey Matura-Shepherd is still very much big news, especially after a press conference in which Matura-Shepherd claims that resignation was precipitated by attacks from the gay community in Belize. In the wake of the Caleb Orozco versus the Attorney General of Belize trial, emotions on both sides of what has become a gay/Christian battle have run high and the issue looks to become one of the most divisive of our time. So far the unofficial poll on whether Matura-Shepherd is a victim of a gay-led conspiracy or a victim of her own actions is pretty much dead even, but that does not change the fact that Belize has lost a very vocal and successful advocate for environmental protection. Leader of the Opposition Francis Fonseca told News Five that he supports and respects Matura-Shepherd, and can only ask that all persons respect each other’s beliefs regardless of their own.
Francis Fonseca, Leader of the Opposition
Francis Fonseca
“She has always been a strong advocate for many different issues. But of recent, she has been a very, very strong advocate for our environment in particular our oceans and I have enjoyed a very good working relationship with her in that regard. I have always been proud to associate with her in terms of her work as the Vice President of OCEANA in Belize. I regret greatly that this discussion that’s taking place in Belize today has led to this—and has divided our society—and has led to this situation. As Audrey said, it was her decision to resign because she did not want to place her organization in a compromise position where there were the source of attacks that were really aimed at her personally. So I regret that was the case and would certainly appeal to all involved in this discussion to have reason prevail; to respect each others’ opinions. It is a very important issue, but we must always respect the views of others; even when we don’t agree with them. And so Audrey enjoys my full support and I am confident that she will move on to bigger and better things.”
Matura-Shepherd has indicated that she will return to private practice as an attorney, but will continue to stand strong on environmental issues from that platform.
It is not the situation itself that is taking place that has lead to this. It is certain persons who are on the other side of the fence who are taking the situation to another level and victimizing and attacking Matura on a personal level for being public about her disagreement with the issue. They are claiming for being victimized by society don’t they see what Matura went through as they “vicitmizing” her for taking a stand and not agreeing with them? I’m glad that this came through how it worked out since Matura did not allow herself to be a victim of their cause.
It is just BS that they claim being vicitimized- we know they are out there, many still in the infamous closet but they are out there. They live the life they live and nobody mess with them. It is just in their mind. What they do behind closed doors is their business – same as the rest of society- we do not do our business infront of the world.
But, we do not necessarily need to agree and accept what they do and we have freedom of speech (or so we thought BEFORe the Matura situation) to say we disagree..it seems now it was a thing of the past.
I saw an unprecedented level of popular support for Ms. Matura-Shepherd for her brave and principled position. She has much to offer the country as a leader, so I hope she gets involved with a reform organization, not one of the permanently corrupt major parties, and moves ahead effectively. God knows Belize needs honest new leadership!
Brilliant, @Jackie!