7 News Belize

And rounding out matters with the PM - he also discussed the status of Orange Walk East Area Representative Marcel Cardona. Last night we told you about a release form Cardona's committee - and misattributed the words of the committee - which is always controlled by the political representative it works for - to Cardona. Indeed, the release was from the newly named Orange Walk East Upliftment committee, and there was no indication that it was directly from Cardona. But the tone was all his, and the dramatic air, his also.

And the Prime Minister today also said that the release did look like the words written from the hand of the honorable Cardona - and in fact, he would have wished that it was from his hands:â€¦.

Hon. Dean Barrow, Prime Minister
"Well I'd be hoping that it would had been a release from him saying that he is resigning from the UDP because that's would then have triggered the loss of his seat and a by-election. As it is it is a release from a so-call committee. His hand is clearly visible, clearly present in it but since it is not his declaring that he has resign, I dismiss it. You don't know who the members of this so-call new committee. I believe it's his secretary and his fiancÃ© and perhaps one other. We really think that in terms of the political equation in Orange Walk East Mr. Cardona at this juncture is pretty much irrelevant. I don't say this to be disrespectful or slighting oh him but to be factual."

Cardona himself today sent out a single spaced, two page, eleven hundred word release - which is smoking! He says that, quote: "the result of the "throwing out" or "expulsion" of the Orange Walk East Area Representative is that he has been left in the unique position of being "non-aligned with any political party," and free to act and express himself as his own conscience and the needs of his constituency dictates or requires him to act."

The release says he is a "non-politically aligned or 'independent' Area Representative" and adds, obliquely, that the newly-formed "Orange Walk East Upliftment Committee" is a non-politically affiliated community organization. It also makes a pitch saying that "Financial donations, labour contributions, material donations, and other forms of contributions (are) welcomed."