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Can Aragon Get Past the Vega Stigma In Orange Walk?
posted (August 31, 2017)
So, while the PUP, the Unions and Chamber are all pushing for more forceful and comprehensive action on the Vega land scandal, so far, the Prime Minister has only cancelled the land titles in the Amy Forte conveyance and ordered police to launch an investigation.

Police Minister, Elodio Aragon must ensure that the investigation is properly carried through, and one of the individuals who may have to answer questions from the police is his political colleague from Orange Walk, Gaspar Vega.

All these shady land deals happened during his tenure, and his family members are the beneficiaries of what looks like a land flipping operation which saw the Vegas ending up with final ownership of prime real estate, or being compensated in cash.

So, what does Aragon have to say about his Orange Walk colleague? That's what we tried to find out today when we caught up with him at another event:

Hon. Elodio Aragon, Minister of State - Police
"The Police Department has a job to do regardless of who it is. I've always said as the minister responsible for police wherever the chip lies, so be it. We have a duty not only to the protection to the rights of people, but also to this nation."

"The Police Department has launched an investigation into that situation and as soon as we get more information you all will be informed about it, but definitely the Police Department has launched an investigation, because an official complaint has been lodge of fraud and that has to be investigated and it will be investigated."

Reporter
"Sir, for you personally as a politician out of Orange Walk, is it painful for you to see one of your fellow colleagues being accused of abuse of public trust? Also discrediting the party and the government for which you are a part of."

Hon. Elodio Aragon, Minister of State - Police
"I can't elaborate on anything in terms... because that is allegations at the end of the day. At the end of the day, the investigation has to be carried our etc., so I can't comment on something like that. But on a personal note I will tell you we must understand that we are dealing with human beings and human beings I mean everybody is different. What I want to stress out here is that the United Democratic Party across the board and you could compare that from the history of parties. The United Democratic Party has always been the better party, is always been the party that serves its people and that's all I have to say."

Reporter
"But sir, the UDP was elected on a platform of anti-corruption and the party at this current day is more embattled that it was when you all came into government. Do you see it as a concern - this appearance of a decline in the public trust that the entire party as a whole should have been safeguarding for the Belizean people?"

Hon. Elodio Aragon, Minister of State - Police
"Listen, we have one of the greatest prime minister this country has ever had Hon. Dean Oliver Barrow. He is the only prime minister who has dealt with his ministers when they have gone astray. We cannot say that to be the same with the PUP."

"The situation in terms of the former minister of natural resources, that is a problem that he has to deal with."

Reporter
"That is not a problem for your party as well sir?"

Hon. Elodio Aragon, Minister of State - Police
"Of course it does not look good for the party on a whole, but not because your brother has committed a crime, that you will be held responsible for that crime. That situation is something that the party would have to deal with on a whole. But at the end of the day there are great leaders in our United Democratic Party, great leaders like Phillip de la Fuente who and the 6 UDP councilors who wants to do well for Orange Walk and why will the public not support them?"

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