Email

Print

Alfred Shackron – his name has become one of the most talked about in political circles this year. That’s because he’s the man who signed an affidavit which claims he paid Joe Coye, as Caribbean Shores area representative, over half a million dollars for the Putt Putt property while government only collected $18,000. It’s an allegation that could put the former Health Minister’s fate in the hands of a jury. It would be only the second time a politician in would have to do that which makes the Shackron situation one of the most eagerly watched in Belize. But today, the Belize Times blew up with an explosive story about Shackron. The paper claims that Shackron has filed a civil suit in the courts against Carlos Perdomo to recover a debt of $65,000. The story alleges that Perdomo has been served with a summons to appear in court to answer to the civil claim which, according to the Times, was filed last Wednesday.

But the claim made in this one is too big to ignore because, if true, it would establish incipient corruption in a young government. We spoke to Perdomo himself, who had not read the article and did not wish to comment on-camera but said on the record that he has had no business dealings with Shackron. And while the word of a politician is one thing, Shackron availed himself for a rare interview – on the grounds that we not discuss the other matter involving Joe Coye – which has attorney has advised him not to speak about.

Here’s what he had to say about the alleged Perdomo transaction.

Alfred Shackron, Businessman
“Jules there is no substance to this allegation. There has been no money exchanged; I didn’t give him and I didn’t take. No business transaction has been made and there is no case.”

Jules Vasquez,
But a story doesn’t materialize out of nowhere.

Alfred Shackron,
“It is all fabricated. I do not know whose doing this, I don’t know whose behind it but I know for sure that we are going to get to the bottom of it. But there is nothing happening like this, no money has been exchanged.”

Jules Vasquez,
Are you saying you have no business transactions, no business?

Alfred Shackron,
“Nothing whatsoever. We have never sat down for any business. Mr. Perdomo visited me before elections one time. He was campaigning and after that we never met.”

Jules Vasquez,
The average person viewing this would say that you all settled it and now you’re making nice.

Alfred Shackron,
“There is nothing to settle. The court is there, I am sure there would be at least my name or Mr. Perdomo’s name. You could check it out, anybody can check it out and it is as simple as that. Nothing like this happened. This is all fabrication. I have never sued anybody. There is another case in the court that I can’t talk about yes but this one has no substance whatsoever. I didn’t do anything and I don’t know whose doing it but like I said, I will check with my lawyer and see to the bottom of this, see whose doing it. But I haven’t sued anybody. I don’t owe anybody or nobody owes me or business transaction with Mr. Perdomo, definitely.”

We also did our checks at the court, and found nothing filed in either Magistrate’s or Supreme. Perdomo says he will read the article and determine if he wants to pursue libel action.