Hot on the Cayo Central Campaign Trail
The United Democratic Party’s Rene Montero is seeking a fourth term in Cayo Central. Montero previously served as Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries and most recently as the Minister of Works. He is being challenged by a new comer Alex Balona of the People’s United Party. Cayo Central has long been dubbed a U.D.P. strong hold – so who is the opposition’s contender who hopes to defeat the ruling party’s candidate?
Andrea Polanco, Reporting
The United Democratic Party’s Rene Montero is seeking a fourth term in Cayo Central. Montero previously served as Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries and most recently as the Minister of Works. He is being challenged by a new comer Alex Balona of the People’s United Party. Cayo Central has long been dubbed a UDP strong hold – so who is the opposition’s contender who hopes to defeat the ruling party’s candidate?
Alex Balona, PUP Standard Bearer, Cayo Central
Alex Balona
“I am ready to work for the people who are struggling just like me. I am a villager from San Antonio Villager. I am a farmer. I work the soil and keep working the soil. I can understand truly what the people in Cayo Central are going through on a daily basis. I share their experiences; I share their struggles and their hardships they go through on a daily basis.”
But Montero is confident going into this election – he believes that people of Cayo Central will return him to office once more because of his experience and work in the division.
Rene Montero
Rene Montero, UDP Standard Bearer, Cayo Central
“They are very excited to come out and support the UDP on November the eleventh. They are all ready because we have been on the ground. We have been energized. Our team is ready for a fourth victory.”
Both candidates have been actively campaigning – reaching out to their constituents in person and on-line. Balon says the people have many needs – high on that list are access to land and housing – while Montero says he will continue the work he has been doing for the past twelve years.
Alex Balona
“When visiting, especially Santa Elena, six out of ten are renting – they don’t own a home. I tell the people if anybody can show me a single home that has been built over the last twelve years in Cayo Central, then I can relax and go back home and say somebody is working but up to now nobody can show me a single home that has been built for the people in Cayo Central. So, I am prepared in finding land and working on a housing project to distribute for the young people in Cayo Central.”
Rene Montero
“We will continue the transformation. It is all about creating an environment where by the youths can have a future. We need to prepare the youths for tomorrow because they are the future leaders. So, we will create an environment where we are going to narrow the bridge between the haves and have nots.”
In about twelve hours, the people of Cayo Central will be casting their ballots. Will they elect the farmer from San Antonio to be their next area representative or will they elect man who has been representing them for the last three terms?
Alex Balona
“I am honest and sincere with people. I tell them that I am here to take care of people’s needs and I think that is what has not been done over the years. A lot of people have shared their experience and say you know what I believe I don’t know who my area representative is. The last time I’ve seen him was five years ago and I haven’t seen him since. It is not necessarily to see but to see the progress that should come to you and that is not being seen in Cayo Central so I am committed and prepared to do that for the residents in Cayo Central.”
Rene Montero
“I am inviting all the people of Cayo Central to come out and give us the support because it is stronger with Montero [cheering].”
Andrea Polanco reporting for News Five.
