Fiery Exchanges Mark Start of National Assembly Session

As has become the tradition, there were fireworks inside the National Assembly.  Actually, within the first 30 minutes of the morning session, the opposition leader, and the Prime Minister were bucking heads.  Here is one of several disturbances in today’s house meeting.

Hon. John Briceño, Prime Minister of Belize: “You know like when they say a face of brass ? This Leader of the Opposition calls and asks us when we’re going to make a payment caused by his government in 2012.”

Moses “Shyne” Barrow, Leader of the Opposition: “On a point of order Madam Speaker. The standing orders clearly talk about irrelevance. We don’t need a history lesson. The question is when will they be paid ? It’s a simple question. You cannot allow him to abuse this opportunity.”

House Speaker: “No. Please take your seat. Please take your seat. Prime Minister please continue.”

Hon. John Briceño, Prime Minister of Belize: “It is important to give -“

Moses “Shyne” Barrow, Leader of the Opposition: “Answer the question. Answer the question.” 

Hon. John Briceño, Prime Minister of Belize: “I’m answering the question.” 

Moses “Shyne” Barrow, Leader of the Opposition: “This is not from me -” 

House Speaker: “Leader of Opposition, Member for Mesopotamia I am cautioning you for the second time to be silent when the member is on his feet.”

Hon. John Briceño, Prime Minister of Belize: “It is important Madam Speaker to give the entire history of his this came about and he doesn’t want to hear the truth because he should be ashamed that their promises in 2012 and up to now this PUP government is making these payments. But this Leader of the Opposition has the face of brass to come and ask when we will pay them and yet he voted against us paying these people. He voted against it.” 

Moses “Shyne” Barrow, Leader of the Opposition: “Madam Speaker that is an absolute lie Madam Speaker.” 

Hon. John Briceño, Prime Minister of Belize: “Yes you did.”

Moses “Shyne” Barrow, Leader of the Opposition: “On a point of order Madam Speaker he’s imputing improper motives. That is a lie. That is a lie. How could he say that I voted for something that I – “

House Speaker: “Member sit. “

Hon. John Briceño, Prime Minister of Belize: “You voted against it. You voted against the supplementary. You voted against it.”

The House Meeting concluded just before three o’clock this afternoon.