The two-day verbal flogging administered by Hyde, whose media organization enjoys a monthly payment of $3,000 from the minister’s personal funds for hosting his television show “Belizean Exposure”, bordered on cruel and inhuman punishment. It was a crucifixion of the pious Methodist minister.

Dean Barrow might have indeed tongue-flogged Said Musa to the tune of “Here we go ‘round the mulberry bush” last Friday. But in a game of musical chairs – which is what politics in Belize is – when the music stops, Said could very well end up in his seat.

To defeat Ashcroft, you have to take him out completely. Otherwise, he will just keep coming back. Anything else is just an expensive game of charades.