Another day, another denied interview request by Prime Minister John Briceño. He arrived home from Antigua this afternoon, where he attended the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting earlier this week. Prior to his arrival, he indicated to us that he would not be giving any interviews. But, there are important questions to ask on matters that have developed since his departure, including the recently declared state of emergency and brewing controversy on Ambergris Caye. So, News Five and other media houses showed up at the PGIA in hopes that he would see the importance in addressing these issues. But instead, PM Briceño scolded the media and then walked off. Here is how that played out.
Paul Lopez
“PM can we get a quick word with you?”
Prime Minister John Briceño
Prime Minister John Briceño
“I will be very brief with unu. Mr. Lopez you asked me for an interview, I told you I will not be able to give an interview today. I am asking you to respect my decision and then when I have a chance to talk to you all then I will talk to you all ok? Just respect me.”
Paul Lopez
“But PM I have a job to do PM. Are you too tired to take the people’s questions today?”
Prime Minister John Briceño
“I am asking you to respect my decision, that is all I am asking ok.”
Paul Lopez
“Why don’t you want to take our questions PM? PM what’s your thoughts on the Ambergris Caye developments PM? Why is your administration defaulting to an ineffective SOE PM? What do you think about the pushback on Ambergris Caye? Excuse me, I have a job to do….I understand that.”
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:
