Step Aside Heredia, Allow New Blood for Belize Rural South

Manuel Heredia

The question, however, is what motivated Greif’s ambition for higher office. The two-term councillor says that residents are clamouring for a change to develop San Pedro and Caye Caulker. Greif says that Minister Heredia needs to step aside and allow new blood in the constituency.

Gary Greif, U.D.P. Candidate, Belize Rural South

Gary Grief

“I did not know that Minister Heredia had been appointed king maker, but we are in a democracy and the people will respond.  I have been working in this community; I would not have applied and put in my application if I hadn’t heard and spoken to people that are saying Gary, I think you could do it. I did not go there on a whim. I do have the support of my family, my fiancé of course is on board and if I didn’t have her support I wouldn’t be here. And even more so, the community in general; anywhere I go the people are ready for a change and I believe I will offer that for them. I believe that there should be more autonomy given to the municipalities. I believe San Pedro Town Council and the Caye Caulker Village Council should manage their affairs. One of my main goals to go to Belmopan is to work to that effect—to give both San Pedro Town Council and Caye Caulker Village Council more rights to manage their own affairs. Let them decide which vehicles coming to the islands. We’re standing here on the beach, you can see the piers all in front of us…for the pier permit fees to be collected on both islands and for that money to stay here for the development of the islands. I think Minister Heredia has done many great things in his four terms, but I honestly think it is time to pass on the baton. When you play football and you bring in new man, those are fresh legs and I believe I have those fresh legs.”