U.D.P. Draws Massive Numbers for Nomination Day Parade

This morning, the challenging People’s United Party flexed its political muscle and this afternoon it was the U.D.P.’s turn to flood the streets with red from U.D.P. Headquarters to the Complex. So in the battle of aesthetics, size and sheer muscle mass who won the trophy? That’s what Mike Rudon tried to determine. Here’s that story.

Mike Rudon, Reporting

The U.D.P. assembled in front of its headquarters in the pouring rain before moving off to the Complex. They had the shirts, signs, banners, umbrellas and the usual political paraphernalia. And they also had the floats. Large floats for each of the ten candidates from the City with loud music and crowds jamming behind – just like Carnival without the costumes. The rain didn’t stop this jam which as it wound down…flooded Mahogany Street from the Complex to its junction with Central American Boulevard. At two-thirty, the candidates entered the building flanked by six registered voters from their respective divisions to nominate them…which means that they are now officially on the ballot as registered candidates.  U.D.P. leader Dean Barrow emerged first and when asked about the passion and power on display today he claimed that in this instance size really does matter.

Dean Barrow

Dean Barrow, Party Leader, U.D.P.

“Momentum might appear to be an intangible, but I think in the end it helps to create an air of inevitability about the U.D.P. victory and then that feeds on itself and become self-fulfilling. So I think it does matter.”

According to the U.D.P. leader he hasn’t seen much in the way of muscle or offering from the P.U.P. thus far, so he’s not impressed. He says that’s one of the issues that is resonating as the U.D.P. campaigns on the ground.

Dean Barrow

“The biggest issues on the negative side the fact that her majesty’s local and very venerable Opposition is not really appear to be offering much of an alternative. And the biggest issue on the positive side is that the people are impressed, pleased with the evidence that’s before everyone’s eyes as to the progress made and are looking forward to see this progress continue, accelerate, increase.”

They smiled as they marched in the pouring rain surrounded by supporters, and smiled as they emerged from the nomination area – new candidates for the U.D.P. ready to enter the big time.

Carla Barnett, U.D.P. Candidate, Freetown

“It’s new to me. It’s very exciting. There is a lot of support among the people of Freetown; they are people who wanted to come and they stayed through to the end with all the rain.”

Darrell Bradley

Darrell Bradley, U.D.P. Candidate, Caribbean Shores

“Well I feel very good. I mean of course it is something that you don’t want to get too overconfident. I have always said that things in terms of nomination day and even the election that underpins the importance of the work. What people want is a government that is able to deliver for them so that of course seeing so many people from Caribbean Shores and seeing so many people from the various constituencies; it is excited, it gives you a burst of confidence.”

Tracy Taegar-Panton, U.D.P. Candidate, Albert

“It is new for me and I’m really overwhelmed today. We have had a lot of support from the voters in Albert Division and I think they are really ready for the elections.”

Tracy Taegar-Panton

The U.D.P. is trying for an unprecedented third term which is unprecedented for a reason…but Dean Barrow doesn’t think it’s that much of a stretch.

Dean Barrow

“How long is too long if it’s good? The fact is that we have been delivering. We’ve been help not just by good stewardship; we’ve enjoyed good fortune. But because there is this sort of a track record, I think people are happy to vote for us again. It’s not just a matter of saying there is no alternative; I think there is enthusiasm about embracing the U.D.P. all over again. And that is for very good reason and I am extremely pleased about it.”

And no nomination day would be complete without predictions from those carried on the euphoria of the day.

Mark King

Mark King, U.D.P. Candidate, Lake Independence

“For Belize City, I would say if we want to be fair, seven to eight seats.”

Mike Rudon

“And you are definitely one of them?”

Mark King

“You damned right I am.”

Tracy Taegar-Panton

“I think we’ve done our work and we will continue to do our work forever until the last vote is counted.”

Mike Rudon

“Traditionally, the leader of the party holds on their seat; it is considered a safe seat. Do you believe that you will unseat Francis Fonseca when elections are called?”

Carla Barnett

“I believe so I believe so and the people who are out here in the hundreds today with me believe so too.”

Carla Barnett

Mike Rudon

“Give me a prediction for Belize City?”

Carla Barnett

“I don’t do that. That’s your job.”

Dean Barrow

“Yes, I expect that we will acquire the Freetown seat and if I were a betting man, not only would I wager; I’d offer odds.”

Beyond that, the U.D.P. leader wouldn’t offer numbers on a countrywide showing but would say only that he expects the U.D.P. to win handsomely. Mike Rudon for News Five.

When asked about his thoughts on the presence of the Belize Progressive Party, Barrow said with confidence that if at all, any showing will be miniscule.