Prime Minister and Opposition Leader Agree on Civility in Independence Day Speeches

Prime Minister John Briceno and Leader of the Opposition, Moses Shyne Barrow, reached an accord recently to maintain civility and patriotism in their upcoming Independence Day speeches.  Love News understands that the dialogue between the two leaders began a few months ago, resulting in the agreement of both parties delivering a State of the Nation address prior to Independence Day.  Decades ago, the speeches delivered on Independence Day had a patriotic and unified undertone.  As years progress, however, it became a platform to fire political ammunition and rhetoric, in the presence of international and diplomatic dignitaries. Prime Minister Briceno commented on the rationale.

John Briceño, Prime Minister of Belize: “It was what was happening that the Leader of the Opposition was going and saying some most outrageous stuff. And it was an embarrassment to all of us not only to himself or to his party but to the entire country. I remember many ambassadors they’re afraid to say anything but eventually when they’re talking on aside they will tell you “what’s wrong with this person.” And so to avoid that, to avoid that embarrassment especially with our visitors we decided that it’s best then that we do this today and we consulted with him and he’s prepared then to have I guess he’ll have a press meeting or press briefing with you all probably tomorrow supposedly to answer back but at least it’s not on Independence Day. I’ve always said Independence Day should be one day that we should set our differences aside. We will always have these differences be it in politics or in relationships, in whatever it is but the 21st I think that’s one day I think we should leave all that aside and come together as Belizeans be proud and patriotic Belizeans to see and look where we are, look at what we have accomplished in those short forty three years. We’re still a baby as a nation but it’s important for us to take whatever corrective measures that had to be take when we’re going wrong to fix that and that’s what we’re doing. So back to your question is that simply we want to avoid that controversy so on the 21st the Leader of the Opposition will be given opportunity to give just a greeting, a short message for the 21st and then after that I will do the same so I hope it’s going to be something nice and uplifting and show a sense of unity within the Belizean people.”

Love News understands that the plan is to proceed in years to come with the State of the Nation.  With Prime Minister Briceno having delivered his this morning, Opposition Leader Barrow will have his turn come tomorrow.  It will be carried live on Love Television and Love FM’s Facebook Page at ten in the morning.