Opposition Leader Questions Motive Behind Taiwan’s $3 Million Housing Grant

A few months ago Ambassador of the Republic of China (Taiwan) was openly accused of playing politics when it comes to donations and grants.  It is an accusation by the opposition that Ambassador Lily Li-Wen Hsu responded to, calling them unfounded.  Fast forward today, and the opposition is at it again as the Leader of the Opposition, Moses Shyne Barrow, is questioning the motive of the three million dollar housing grant from Taiwan.  

Moses “Shyne” Barrow, Leader of the Opposition: “I’m very concerned that the Taiwanese, I know that Alberto August has been very vocal about him feeling that the Taiwanese are interfering in politics and that they’re not supporting the Belizean people but supporting the People’s United Party. I won’t go that far but I note again this recent grant of $1.4 million for housing 114 days before municipal elections specifically designated for Belmopan City. That is very alarming. I support the Taiwanese. We have a long history with the Taiwanese but again there are people like Alberto August that have been complaining a long time that the activities of the Taiwanese have passed the line of helping Belizeans and helping a political party. And when you look at making those funds available to an embattled PUP municipal body where the mayor is criticizing her own party, the mayor will stop from running, I’m talking about Sharon Palacio, and basically has condemned all of her councilors they’re in trouble. And so when you see this 1.4 coming from Taiwan it is extremely concerning.”

Barrow’s comments were made today during a press conference in Belize City.