Email

Print

But tonight we're turning our attention back to that still unresolved story. Today in his State of the Nation address - which you will hear more about later - the PM reiterated - without stating proof - that his government had nothing to do with Joseph Budna's abduction. It's a sweeping statement, especially since it's not a matter that the Cabinet has discussed. So we asked him if he has asked his ministers if they are involved.

Courtney Menzies:
"While I know you haven't been able to have a Cabinet meeting to discuss the situation, have you asked the ministers personally whether they had any involvement?"

John Briceno, Prime Minister
"But that's not something for Cabinet to discuss. We've had an investigation, an investigation is ongoing. Once we get the report, then the police will then recommend. I don't know why people get so excited that I will- once the police make the report to me, they will recommend and say prime minister, there's evidence, if there is any evidence in wrongdoing, it needs to go to the DPP. Of course all I will do is inform Cabinet, this is what happened, but it's not for Cabinet to discuss. We have said it over and over and the Minister of Police has said it to the media that he is not involved in the matter so what else can I say?"

Courtney Menzies:
"But have you asked the ministers whether they have involvement?"

John Briceno, Prime Minister
"Yes we have, we have discussed this and he has said he's not involved."

Courtney Menzies:
"The other ministers."

John Briceno, Prime Minister
"When we mentioned it in Cabinet, obviously when it first happened it was mentioned but we didn't have any discussion and everybody recognized that this was not something that was sanctioned by the government."