U.D.P. Demands Apology from Dr. Martinez on BDF Rape Claims

During Thursday’s sitting of the House of Representatives, Opposition Leader Shyne Barrow rose on adjournment to demand an apology from the Briceno administration and the People’s United Party for recent comments that were made by P.U.P. standard Bearer Osmond Martinez.  The remarks cast a dark shadow over the Belize Defense Force, amid allegations of rape.  Here’s what Barrow said in parliament and the response he got from the prime minister.

 

Shyne Barrow, Leader of the Opposition

“He said that B.D.F. soldiers raped women in Bella Vista.  And I am not happy that the member for Corozal Southeast is not here as the Minister of National Defense and B.D.F., Madam Speaker, but politics should not cloud our vision for nation and for patriotism.  And to make such ridiculous, outrageous, defamatory accusations against our B.D.F. is shameful, Madam Speaker, and I call on the prime minister and the government side to apologize on behalf of their government for those words uttered by Osmond Martinez, Madam Speaker.  Thank you. Madam Speaker, I don’t know all the details what Osmond Martinez said or did not say, but it’s unfortunate, Madam Speaker, that there has been allegations of that happening, especially in the early or the late 1980s when the U.D.P. was aggressively picking up so-called “aliens” back in those times.  They used to stop buses and drag them out of the buses during the Esquivel time and then drag them to the border and kicked them out of the country.  At that time, Madam Speaker, as in every organization, there is usually rogue cops, you have rogue B.D.F. and members that you should not have.  And yes, the allegations have been, I remember hearing them that that has happened where some B.D.F. soldiers have taken advantage of some of these people.  And you guys, you weren’t even here… you were not here, so you would not know.”