PM Briceno Denies Government Interference with Senate Committee

Prime Minister John Briceno has denied criticism of the government undermining the work of the Senate Special Select Committee. On Monday, the group was to continue its probe into the Portico Definitive Agreement but learned via a legal memo from the Attorney General’s Ministry that the Senate was on recess. The letter was sent to Chairperson Janelle Chanona, who said the committee was also informed that a legal review indicated the committee’s actions during the court’s recess could be challenged in court. Chanona says the committee was caught off guard with the announcement, and felt it was regrettable. But PM Briceno says that it was simply a matter of Chanona not doing her homework. 

Hon. John Briceño, Prime Minister of Belize: “That’s absolutely, that’s nonsense. We have supported the Senate Inquiry from day one and we’ve done nothing to undermine the process. I think that it’s unfortunate that Senator Chanona did not do her homework to find out that the House is in recess and had she done her homework she would have realized that she has to wait until the House, that we finish the recess and then she can continue her work and she will continue to have our support.”

Reporter: Have you been briefed on whether you will be called before the committee  ? 

Hon. John Briceño, Prime Minister of Belize: “I have absolutely no idea.”

The committee reconvenes next month.