But much has been said about Mason and his sponsorship of John Saldivar's football team. We asked today if those large cash infusions into the team could be considered money laundering:...
Jules Vasquez
"Might it be that the type of transaction, if it is a cash based transaction that Mr. Saldivar was involved in with Mr. Mason - might it not be that that could constitute money laundering?"
Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow, Prime Minister
"I fail to see how the donation, the cash contribution to a politician could form the basis of a money laundering charge. But as I say, let me not suggest that I can speak authoritatively on that matter."
Jules Vasquez
"Well I think the word investment has come into currency. I learnt it from Mr. Vega. He said that his opponent invested more money that he and his brothers did in his last campaign. So then if there is an investment one expects a return. If one has a surfeit of cash that one needs to dispose of. But let's not go there."
Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow, Prime Minister
"I don't see how that could be money laundering. I have to do my best to knock in the head. So people who are not criminals who make cash contributions to politicians - that constitutes an investment too by your likes, but it's not money laundering why? Simply because in one case the people are, according to you criminals? It doesn't make sense."
Jules Vasquez
"But it's whether the money is licit or illicit, the proceeds of licit of illicit business. Not worth the argument sir...."
Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow, Prime Minister
"Well I think it is. Look, Mr. Mason it appears was altogether an unwholesome, unsavory, terrible character. But you had perhaps raised this issue even if tangentially before. I don't know that the monies he admittedly contributed to the Belmopan Bandits were monies derived from illicit activities. It seems that he being the pertuent fellow he clearly is was engaged in licit and it appears allegedly illicit activities. Look, it's as I told you on Friday what it is, what is undoubted, what is beyond argument is bad enough. Don't strain to make it any worse man."
Reporter
"Yes, but you have at your disposal the FIU, the Ministry of Finance. Is there going to be an investigation into Danny Mason and his financial dealings with unscrupulous people?"
Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow, Prime Minister
"The FIU as I understand it from the director on an examination of whatever material they can find in relation to Mr. Mason."
Later on you'll hear the media ask the PM many more hard hitting questions about the entire Mason investigation, and how it is being handled by government.
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