Last week’s hostile takeover by way of legislation of the country’s most profitable private company, Belize Telemedia Limited, which was orchestrated by Prime Minister Honorable Dean Barrow himself, who is showing the distinct tendencies of a dictator, does not bode well for us.

In fact, it may be the cue for the United Democratic Party area representatives and other high ranking officials, who are hell bent on installing as many of their relatives and friends in the most lucrative public sector jobs regardless if they are already filled, to do so without reservation.

Shortly after the government regained control of BTL, PM Barrow, who seems unperturbed over the possible abuse of his office and conflicts of interest, installed his ex-wife Lois Young as the Secretary of the Board, and appointed their son Anwar Barrow as a director on the very Board.

As if that were not enough, media reports are that the young Barrow, under the tutelage of Executive Chairman Nestor Vasquez, is also overseeing the day to day operations of BTL.  Could it be that PM Barrow is making preparations for his boy wonder to take over the UDP?

Perhaps, this is why PM Barrow does not have the moral authority to condemn Public Utilities Minister Hon. Melvin Hulse for securing his daughter’s diplomatic posting in London and the obscene compensation package that allows for her babysitter to accompany her at our expense. Or why he does not see the irony in Health Minister Hon. Pablo Marin appointing his nephew, who reportedly has yet to complete his medical degree, as Medical Chief of Staff at the Corozal Community Hospital at a time when the health care system is reeling because of incompetence.

Indeed, the make up of the government shows a dominance of close relatives and friends, failed politicians, and various wealthy die hard UDP followers, who wield substantial authority in their posts, but answer only to their political bosses and not to the hierarchy of the public service. But this practice undermines the morale of the public officers, especially when many of the appointees work sparingly and keep a part time schedule and it also breaks the laws governing hiring in the public service, especially when some do not have the appropriate qualifications.

And we can only expect that the cases of nepotism will increase sharply because those area representatives and high ranking officials, whose relatives have yet to enjoy the spoils of victory, will demand their pound of flesh from PM Barrow and surely will not take “no” for an answer. But it is unacceptable that the UDP can employ and handsomely remunerate many of their close relatives including their children, spouses, parents, and in laws while the ordinary person is finding it hard to live within his means and struggling to survive the sky rocketing cost of living.

Clearly, the UDP have never been about the people’s needs or helping the downtrodden, but about the privilege of their small inner circle and their ability to abuse their positions, which allow them to rule like modern day feudal lords, who should never be challenged or questioned.

And those of us, who dare to question the ability, actions, or motives of the UDP leaders, soon discover that they have rabid attack dogs to hold us at bay as well as so-called independent media personalities, who are only too willing to collaborate with them to deceive us with lies.

Last year, we made a huge mistake when we erroneously placed our trust in the UDP and gave them a resounding victory at the polls, and we are now paying for it.  The UDP promised that once elected, they would govern differently but they have done the opposite. And PM Barrow, who campaigned against cronyism, nepotism, and corruption in government, is making a mockery of our democracy.  This is a remarkable achievement for a man, who claims ad nauseum, that accountability and transparency are the bedrock of his government.

Be first to comment this article

Write Comment
Please keep the topic of messages relevant to the subject of the article. Personal verbal attacks will be deleted. Please don't use comments to plug your web site. Such material will be removed. Just ensure to *Refresh* your browser for a new security code to be displayed prior to clicking on the 'Send' button. Keep in mind that the above process only applies if you simply entered the wrong security code.
Name:
E-mail
Title:
Comment:
Code:*
	I wish to be contacted by email regarding additional comments