Prime Minister Barrow also reacted to Manuel Esquivel’s statement
last week that he does not support the constitutional amendment to make it so
that persons holding dual nationality can sit in the House of Representatives
and the Senate. Barrow it appears had not heard, or heard of the interview that
was on the news a week ago. So he seemed more than a little taken aback by what
the senior statesman had to say. For context we begin with a portion of those
comments form Esquivel followed by Barrow’s reaction.
Rt. Hon. Manuel Esquivel, Former Prime Minister
“There are Belizeans committed enough who are willing to do that but
it is a great sacrifice we have to admit. US citizenship is one of the most
prized citizenships in the world I would imagine so I can see how difficult
it would be for people but I tend to lean with that opinion that if you come
back home and intend to live here, that is the commitment you should be making,
this will be your residence for that period of time then you should be willing
to give it up.”
Hon. Dean Barrow,
“That is Mr. Esquivel’s view. It is certainly is worthy of consideration
as are the views of all the citizens of this country. I must respect that view.
I very firmly disagree with it. In fact I completely disagree with it but he
is entitled to his view.”
Jules Vasquez,
“But he is the senior statesman in the party right now. He is not just
another Belizean, he is the senior advisor to you.”
Hon. Dean Barrow,
“Well then perhaps his view is entitled to extra consideration. Having
given it that extra consideration, I say again that I completely disagree with
it.”
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