Email

Print

And while Shyne hopes he’s chosen an able replacement for Michael Finnegan, he surely doesn't want to be a benchwarmer.   That’s the dismissive term PUP Deputy Leader Julius Espat has used for those unelected persons that his leader John Briceno has put at the forefront of the party and on the executive.  Today in Cotton Tree we asked him to clarify his remarks:…

Hon. Julius Espat- Area Rep, Cayo South 
“It is not criticism, it is advice and there is a major difference between that. I fundamentally believe that the area representatives are the people that the people have put their trust in. We are figure heads; we are the voice of the people. So if we are the voice of the people and we live in a democratic system then I believe the voice of the people should at least be around the table. I no even the ask fu mek them vote. Just to be around the table so that you can listen to when decisions are being made and that you can on behalf of your people make wah lee advice and that when the decisions are made you can go back to your people to explain to them what the policies are. What I said, I stand by but it’s not to hurt the party. I’ve never been someone to hurt my party. I love my party and I know that my party will form the government. I just believe that you prepare for the worst and you no ride the wave; that’s been my firm you know, prepare for the worst and if the wave come well boss da gravy.” 

Daniel Ortiz
“During the Francis Fonseca era it was believed that you were a chief advisor of his…” 

Hon. Julius Espat
“I’m still a chief advisor to the party leader president.” 

Daniel Ortiz
“Ok, but in that position…” 

Hon. Julius Espat
“But being advisor doesn’t necessarily mean they listen to you.”

Daniel Ortiz
“Well, Mr. Fonseca is believed to have been one of those persons who was very receptive of your advice and the party did not move forward to win any election so why would you criticize Mr. John Briceño at this point without testing his way of management first?” 

 Hon. Julius Espat
“So you want us to lose first and then I wah test it? Or you want us to give advice? I just the ask. There is nothing wrong with advice guys and Belizean people have to understand that, there is nothing wrong with advice. I am a loyal member of the People’s United Party. We have a leader and we will fight and we will fight. But that will not tell me…I da no wah yes-sah-man cause that yes-sah-man no de Kerry we no way. I will give you advice as I see it fit and if you don’t take it then that’s your decision; no problem with that.” 

Espat says that three persons who should be on the executive and the PUP frontline are Myrtle Palacio, Anthony Sylvestre and Lisa Shoman. We note that all three are considered Musa or Fonseca loyalists.