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For the past few days, we've been canvassing his colleagues who support his new portfolio assignment. Manuel Junior Heredia is one of them. We asked the 4 term rep if he would have wanted the portfolio for himself:...

Jules Vasquez- Reporter
"You could have been Minister of Natural Resources. I don't want to be unkind but he is a young man, his opponent used to call him chamaco. He is not that but I am saying he's a new comer, you are a veteran sir."

Hon. Manuel Heredia Jr.- Minister of Tourism
"Jules let me be very open, I have great respect for Hugo Patt, from the time I knew Hugo Patt in his first term; he is a second term winner. He is a humble one but particularly he is extremely honest. He is colleague friendly, he knows how to deal with employees. So, when I see Hugo it is like a reflection of myself, I always say he is a reflection of myself and he has great potentials in this party and as a politician. So, I hold no grudge for that and let me be very honest, I believe I wouldn't have accepted that ministry. That is headache. I have one of the best ministries that every colleague envies."

Reporter
"Since, Senator Barnett took over, processes have slowed down. People have been unable to get their documents in place. Now, do you think she was removed for that reason? That she was essentially pushed out?"

Hon. Manuel Heredia Jr.
"No, I believe, again, Carla Barnett, I know Carla, she was my chairlady at the Belize Tourism Board, she is an honest lady, she is extremely intelligent but sometimes it takes a little politics into it to make sure that it functions. And I know that all colleagues, including myself, many times were anxious for leases and titles to come out but I believe that Hugo will move this ministry much faster."