Late this evening, Amandala learned that Governor General Sir Colville Young has decided not to appoint a Leader of the Opposition for tomorrow’s sitting of the House of Representatives in Belmopan.
Former leader of the People’s United Party (PUP), John Briceño, had resigned that post on October 7, 2011, but held on to his title until his return from Mexico City late last week. He formally resigned the latter post in writing to the Governor General on Tuesday of this week.
That occasioned a scramble at the PUP’s headquarters, Independence Hall, which occurred at the same time as the party was accepting nominations for Briceño’s successor as Party Leader.
As reported elsewhere in this newspaper, Freetown area representative Francis Fonseca has emerged as the sole candidate for party leader, but will not take up the post of Leader of the Opposition, at his request, until he is endorsed by the PUP’s National Party Council on October 29 and affirmed by the party’s supporters at an upcoming national convention.
Former PUP leader and Leader of the Opposition, Said Musa, had emerged as a candidate to replace Briceño only for tomorrow’s House sitting.
But opposition developed from former leader Briceño, Albert area representative Mark Espat and Cordel Hyde.
Each man confirmed separately to Amandala their opposition to Musa. With the resulting 3-3 split and with no hope of breaking the deadlock before 10:00 a.m. on Friday, the Governor General decided not to make an appointment at this time. He can only appoint the individual who commands a majority of support on that side, under the Constitution.
It is not exactly the first time that a Leader of the Opposition will not be in the House, but the first time since Independence that there will be no named Leader within the House at a particular sitting.
We were not able to reach the Clerk of the National Assembly at press time to find out how the debate over the controversial Ninth Amendment Bill will be handled, but we have been reliably advised that the lack of a Leader of the Opposition would not affect the debate in any way, and that the sitting would proceed as normal, with all members, Government and Opposition, getting a chance to speak if they wish.
We are told as a matter of opinion that there is no emergency, such as an appointment for which the Prime Minister must consult with the Leader of the Opposition as required by law, which would necessitate the naming of a Leader at tomorrow’s meeting.
One of the opposing parliamentarians, who wished not to be named, has told us that, “Mr. Musa (is) just in a hurry to do the bidding of those whose interests are opposed to the 9th (Amendment Bill).”
We are told that the former Prime Minister and senior attorney failed even to consult with the three opposing parliamentarians before calling Sir Colville to put his name forward.
For the Amendment to pass, 24 of 31 votes are needed. The United Democratic Party (UDP) commands 24 seats in the House at present; Orange Walk East’s Marcel Cardona, the 25th, is no longer affiliated with the party.