PUP Chairman Weighs In on Public Disagreements Among Senior Ministers

PUP Chairman and Government Whip Henry Charles Usher has weighed in on the recent public exchanges involving Deputy Prime Minister Cordel Hyde, Minister Julius Espat and Prime Minister John Briceño. Love News asked Usher whether, as party chairman, he would intervene when disagreements among senior elected representatives spill into the public.  Here is his response.

Henry Charles Usher, Minister of Public Service: “You know, social justice is in philosophy, in the constitution of our party. We are built on social justice, as a matter of fact, as I was reminding our party leader a few days ago we have a social justice agenda. We are empowered and we are enlightened by social justice to do the work of the people. The conversations, the discussions done in public or done in private has to do about making sure that we live up to that philosophy and we continue to do that under the leadership of John Briceño. So it’s not something that I need to address. I believe that all members of our party have the right to say that they want to be passionate about the work of the people, and that’s what you’re hearing.”

The exchanges followed Espat’s comments about his shared social conscience with Hyde and their belief in the principles of the George Price PUP. Prime Minister Briceño publicly rebuked Espat, rejecting the suggestion that social justice was a commitment shared by only a few members of his government. He insisted that it remains central to the party and Cabinet’s work.  Hyde subsequently called for serious reflection within the government. He warned that power can leave leaders disconnected from the people they serve and urged his colleagues to remain humble, listen and address the party’s internal problems.  Espat has since jokingly described himself as the party’s “black sheep.” He also backed Hyde’s call for soul-searching, while saying he would do nothing to undermine the Prime Minister or the government.