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Sir Manuel and Kathy Esquivel Resign From All Government Posts/Appointments
posted (March 17, 2014)
Sir Manuel Esquivel and his wife Kathy have resigned all government posts and appointments in protest of their eldest daughter Laura being pushed out as Director of the Belize Tourism Board.

Sir Manuel confirmed to us that he resigned as Senior Advisor to the Prime Minister in a letter sent to the Prime Minister last Thursday March 13th. He confirmed also that he is stepping down as government appointed Director on the Boards of BTL and BSI. Esquivel would not comment on the reasons for his blanket resignations, only to say, "There is a tide in the affairs of men." Thursday March 13th is also the day that Kathy Esquivel resigned as Chairman of the National AIDS Commission. She had been on the board since 2002 as opposition representative, and was named Chairperson in 2008. She told us that she is resigning for personal reasons.

These dramatic resignations come after their daughter Laura Esquivel officially resigned as BTB's Director of Tourism on Wednesday March 12th.

Prime Minister Dean Barrow did not answer our requests for a comment today.

It is a notable event in the UDP as the Right Honourable Esquivel is an icon of the party. He was leader for 15 years and ushered in the modern era of the UDP by leading the party to its first general election victory in 1984. He is also a two term Prime Minister. His resignation - and that of his wife - can only be taken as an indictment of current UDP Leader Barrow for what they take to be an affront - that their daughter was kicked to the curb during a UDP administration.

Indeed, Laura Esquivel fell from the greatest of heights when she was pushed out of the BTB by a palace coup 12 days ago - a coup which informed observers believe had to have been orchestrated at a high level - high enough that the managers felt confident enough to undermine and humiliate sir Manuel's daughter - without worrying that they would lose their jobs.

So have Sir Manuel and PM Barrow spoken about his abrupt and complete departure? Short answer is, "No." Esquivel tells us that when he wrote the PM last Thursday, the PM wasn't in the country, and he doesn't even know if he has seen the letter.

Sir Manuel who is in semi-retirement tells us that he will now be fully retired. As for how it will or won't affect the rank and file of the UDP - party insiders point out that while Esquivel is a respected past leader, he does not have die-hard loyalists, per se, within the Barrow administration, so it is not a blow to the government.

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