“It’s either go to the ICJ or go to war” –
those are the dire terms in which Foreign Minister Wilfred Elrignton has framed
the choice on the referendum. But speaking today in the House of Representatives,
Prime Minister Dean Barrow was far more moderate. He said he will vote yes to
the ICJ, but isn’t crusading to make anyone do the same. But at the same
time, he said he couldn’t just stand by and let the signing of the Special
Agreement be equated with an act of un-patriotic treachery.
Hon. Dean Barrow,
“I hear those on the radio suggesting that the signing of the Special
Agreement means that the whole thing is a done deal. Now I have no problems
with people resorting to such arguments as they will in order to persuade the
public to subscribe to their point of view but I cannot as leader of this country
allow these fundamentals distortions to go unanswered.
My goodness let us be clear as to what has happened here and to the fact
that all that has happened is that we’ve agreed that a question framed
in a certain manner can be put to the ICJ if the people of this country so desire.
In the end that wrong start in their view can be turned back by simply
voting no if and when the referendum comes. This is the ultimate safeguard and
this really disposes of the issue in terms of those who claim to be dissatisfied.
Then get out there and campaign for a ‘no’ vote. And at the end
of the day you have the satisfaction of knowing that the government of the country
is committed to accepting and embracing whichever decision the people of this
country make at the time of the referendum.
Mr. Speaker, I have made clear that speaking for myself, if we get to the
referendum I will vote yes. But I will attempt to strong arm no one to follow
my lead. The people of this country are free to determine this matter anyway
they wish and I will continue to stress that from now until the referendum is
held. So those that are putting up all sort of strong head, please man, please.
Campaign as much as you like but there is no need for the kind of finger pointing
that is going on. There is no need for accusations of betrayal. This is the
very essence of democracy.”
Barrow said his party will come up with a position but no one is compelled
to follow it; each member will be allowed a vote of conscience.
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