PM’s Refusal to Answer Media Questions Draws Union Criticism

When the Prime Minister faces reporters, is answering their questions optional, or part of his responsibility to the public? That debate is growing after Prime Minister John Briceño declined an interview outside the Philip Goldson International Airport, scolded members of the media and then walked away. While some argue that reporters should have respected his request not to be interviewed, Public Service Union President Dean Flowers sees it differently. He says the Prime Minister has a duty to engage the press because, ultimately, those questions are being asked on behalf of the Belizean people.

 

Dean Flowers, President, Public Service Union

“For those who are apologetic for the disrespect that the Prime Minister continues to dish out on the media, clearly they are just a bunch of “buffoons” as Dean Barrow would say. I think that was one of his favorite words. They are just a bunch of political buffoons who are apologetic for foolishness and that is why we are treated the way we are treated and looked down upon by people who are suppose to be our servants, elected officials are suppose to be our servants. They are suppose to provide our services and yet we treat them like gods because of those same foolish political buffoons who make excuses. Like I always say, nobody forced Dean Flowers to be the President of the Public Service Union. That is a job and a position that I willingly volunteered and offered. So I must take all the jabs, the licks, the long hours, the sacrifice that comes with that. Similar for every public official. You want vacation brother then go take your one month vacation and recover. But while you are on the grind you have a duty and obligation to the Belizean people and the electorate who needs answers and to the media who has a duty to provide those answers to the Belizean public.”

 

Attention readers: This online newscast is a direct transcript of our evening television broadcast. When speakers use Kriol, we have carefully rendered their words using a standard spelling system.

 

Watch the full newscast here: