Opposition Leader Urges Focus on Budna Kidnapping Inquiry

Leader of the Opposition Tracy Panton addressed several national issues at her party’s press conference held last week. High on the agenda was the independent investigation into the alleged kidnapping of Joseph Budna that the inquiry report recommended. Panton cautioned Belizeans to stay focused on the issue.

Tracy Panton, Leader of the Opposition: “It seems to me that the government has no intention, none whatsoever, on having or convening and independent investigation.”

And she was right. Yesterday PM Briceno deepened the mistrust among the Belizean populace when the media pressed him for answers.

John Briceño, Prime Minister of Belize: “I think is better then time to just pass it on to the DPP and let them deal with it.”

Reporter: So no independent investigation.

John Briceño, Prime Minister of Belize: “Did you hear what I just said?”

Reporter: I did. 

John Briceño, Prime Minister of Belize: “Thank you.”

Reporter: The DPP directs the police to go back and investigate further. 

John Briceño, Prime Minister of Belize: “So then what do we need to do? So what do you want us to do? Bring the FBI? I mean… 

Reporter: You all gave the semblance that you were going to do something more serious. 

John Briceño, Prime Minister of Belize: “I gave the semblance that once we get the report, the police report, then to see who best to move it. Now the attorney general pointed out to us that there’s no law that we could put a body to investigate. I think Jamaica has that law and so maybe that’s something that we have to take a look for maybe for the future. And so we passed it on to somebody to review it and then what ? And they say well what then ? It will still have to end up to the DPP at some point I believe.”

Tracy Panton, Leader of the Opposition: “If it can happen to Mr. Budna, it can happen to anyone in this room.”

We all must now wait and see how the office of the director of public prosecutions will handle this matter of national importance.