Castro catches flack for R word

Published by BBN Staff at December 5, 2016

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Posted: Monday, December 5, 2016. 2:28 p.m. CST.

By BBN Staff: During an interview about questionable business transactions now affecting the sugar industry, Minister of NEMO and Transport, Edmond Castro used a derogatory term in an attempt to deflect away from the question, raising the ire of many in the public and especially on social media.

Castro referred to Channel 7’s Daniel Ortiz as retarded twice during the interview.

“Daniel, this is why you get into foolishness, you are asking one thing as if you are retarded over and over. Go and speak to the sugar board, go and speak to the cane farmers association,” he said angrily. “You are a bright man, don’t sound as if you are retarded, you are saying the same thing over and over. Move on, next question,” he later said.

The Belize Sugar Cane Farmers Association (BSCFA) has blamed Castro for its suspension from Fairtrade. Castro was reportedly transporting cane to the sugar factory without
being a registered cane farmer. He did so for three years without a license.

While Castro’s insulting remark struck a chord with some, it is not the first time Belizean media has been subjected to degradation and intimidation by government’s of both major political parties.

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