Minister of Political Reform says Opposition Leader May Be in Violation of the Constitution in Residency Case

While the UDP says PM Briceno may have broken the law, the Minister of the Public Service, Constitutional and Political Reform says Barrow could be in violation of the Supreme Law of the Land, the constitution. Yesterday, Minister Henry Charles Usher weighed in on the case brought against the LOO and says that it wasn’t the PUP that filed the objection but residents of Mesopotamia.

Henry Charles Usher, Minister of Constitutional Reform: “It’s the objectors of the constituency of Mesopotamia. Two objectors that said that Moses Barrow did not reside, has never resided at that particular address where he transferred. He was registered at another address in Caribbean Shores. This transfer period all of a sudden he transferred to a new address, #80 King Street which also happens to be his political office from what I understand but what I can say is that if the court does find that he violated election laws then he could be in violation of the constitution as well.”

Reporter: Is this just another attempt though at getting rid of Shyne ? Because I know a few months ago you guys tried to bring forth the 11th amendment.

Henry Charles Usher, Minister of Constitutional Reform: “I believe that the law should be respected no matter who you are and if you’re breaking the law and somebody takes a claim to court then it’s up to you that you did not violate the law and I think this is a clear case that the two objectors are saying that there was a law broken and the Chief Magistrate who is the adjudicator in this matter has taken this matter very seriously from what I understand. The case has gone on for about a week, the decision should be given sometime this week. They also went and did an inspection of the property to see if it’s livable but I think it’s really something that the Leader of the Opposition needs to answer. Does he still live at the address in Kings Park or has he moved to this address because it says very clearly that you have to live at a particular address for a period of time to be able to register in that constituency no? That’s a question he has to answer.”

The Chief Magistrate will deliver her ruling on the matter tomorrow.