BELIZE CITY, Wed. December 9, 2020– Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Patrick Faber, says that the Briceno administration is to blame for the COVID-19 pandemic getting out of control in Belize. Faber has expressed the view that the PUP’s “blatant disregard” for the measures put in place for the elections has caused a surge of infections to grip the country.

“The blatant disregard of the PUP on Nomination Day and on election day and then again after the victory when they threw aside all the curfew and all the rules against and agreements against motorcades and gatherings across this country.  So, if we wanted to point fingers, the PUP would be well in line for blame, first in line for blame for the pandemic getting away from us,” stated Faber.

He also pointed out that the new government seems to be cold-shouldering the Director of Health Services (DHS), Dr. Marvin Manzanero, who is currently infected with COVID-19. Faber said that he felt that Dr. Manzanero was sidelined by the new government, who declared that no COVID-19 plan was in place. Faber pointed out that by making such a statement, they openly denigrated Dr. Manzanero, since many of the protocols and recommendations put in place by the previous administration came directly from the DHS’ desk.

Faber shared, “it would seem that they have their own preferences for professionals.  We saw, in fact, in that very first press conference that they basically boxed him, and we are told now that in fact, and again, we can only go by what we are hearing, but normally, nine out of ten times when we hear these things they come to light, we’re hearing of yet another nepotistic appointment that is about to be made in terms of the DHS, or at least key players in the Ministry of Health.”

As mentioned, the sister-in-law of Kareem Musa has been named acting Director of Health Services in Dr. Manzanero’s absence as he recovers in isolation.

And while Faber still points a finger of blame at the PUP, he also extended a helping hand from his side of the aisle. “I’ve said to the Prime Minister, this party in opposition stands ready to join forces.  I’ve made this offer now, quite a times informally to the Prime Minister, and yet no outreach has been made.  There is no political lines for COVID,” Faber commented.