Budna Case Sparks Rift Between PM and DPP

There’s tension brewing between two top offices and it’s all over the Joseph Budna investigation. Prime Minister John Briceño says he’s disappointed with recent comments made by Director of Public Prosecutions Cheryl-Lynn Vidal. The DPP was blunt in her assessment, saying the investigation files she received contained, quote, “less than nothing.” But the Prime Minister sees it differently. Briceño says he wouldn’t describe the files that way at all. In fact, he believes they reflect solid police work, especially by lead investigator ASP Suzette Anderson, whom he commended for her efforts. So, while the DPP is calling the case weak, the PM is standing by his officers, suggesting there’s more to the story than meets the eye.

 

Prime Minister John Briceño

“Well it is quite disappointing that the DPP would say something like that. But, as you know the DPP is independent. I don’t interfere with her work. But what we did is basically gave her something to start with and she did admit that she will work on what she has and call for her own investigation and interview or whatever it is.”

 

Paul Lopez

“But for you, would you characterize it as less than nothing, or what you saw you felt as if it was sufficient work done.”

 

Prime Minister John Briceño

“That is her words, I felt differently.”

 

Paul Lopez

“How does this work speaks to ASP Suzette Anderson’s performance?”

 

Prime Minister John Briceño

“I have great respect for Assistant Commissioner Suzzette Anderson. She is a good cop. She has demonstrated and she was put to do something in a very difficult situation and she has acted admirably.”

 

Paul Lopez

“Based on the report the DPP says there is no way an arrest can be made. That must say something about what was handed over to her.”

 

Prime Minister John Briceño

“Absolutely not. She investigated and she can only report on what is in front of her.”

 

Paul Lopez

“What happens if she sends it back to the police.”

 

Prime Minister John Briceño

“Can we stop instigating? She says she has to do that, she has to get more information and that is fine.”