U.D.P. appoints journalist, businessman as Senators
Leader of the Opposition, Dean Barrow, has been saying for days that for the two U.D.P. Senators, he would choose people who were young, dynamic and able to capture the attention of the Belizean public. Ultimately that public will decide whether Barrow made the right choice, but for today at least, the two appointees seemed ready, willing and able to carry their party’s fight to the Senate… and beyond. Patrick Jones reports.
After extensive intra-party consultations, opposition leader Dean Barrow, summoned the press corps to the Fiesta Inn this morning to unveil his promised infusion of fresh blood to the Senate. Barrow says his choice of Oscar Ayuso Jr. and Audrey Matura Tillett as the U.D.P. Senators, is in keeping with his idea of putting the beleaguered party back on its feet.
Dean Barrow, Leader, U.D.P.
“There can be no question as to their competence. There can be no question as to their talents. So we have no doubt that they will do just that: prove to be articulate spokespersons for the positions of the United Democratic Party, prove to be articulate and forceful agents for change, prove to be articulate and forceful persons who will make invaluable contributions to the whole process of political reform.”
In her first official speech as a politician, Tillett described the foray into the political arena as her contribution to the country’s development, while Ayuso said that it was time he made a stand for something.
Audrey Matura Tillett, U.D.P. Senator
“We need to know that people are prepared to stand. Democracy can only work if there isalways an opposition, keeping those in power in line. People are giving the impression that because now there is a new government everything is calm and everything is just perfect. Nothing can be perfect. It’s men; we have there human beings and we have to be the guardians trying to ensure that we keep them on the right track and aid them. An opposition doesn’t necessarily mean being always against everything that is said. It’s participating in the process and that’s where I see I can be most effective.”
Oscar Ayuso Jr., U.D.P. Senator
“I have discussed this with my family and we both agreed so I am here and I accept to serve my people and my country. I think it was time that I made up my mind and this is one of the reasons why I have decided to accept this position.”
According to Barrow, both Tillett and Ayuso have key roles to play in helping him to iron out the dent in the U.D.P. armor inflicted at the polls on August twenty-seventh. Ayuso he says will attempt to band-aid the rift between the U.D.P. and the business community, while Tillett will crusade against perceived misdeeds by the ruling party.
Whatever their status in the party will be in the long run, the short and medium term will find these two rookies trying to make a name for themselves among the seasoned actors on the national stage in Belmopan. Patrick Jones for News Five.
Oscar Ayuso Jr. is the proprietor of G.A. Ayuso and Son, a well known Belize City business house, while Audrey Matura Tillett is a former journalist at the B.C.B., Channel Seven and Channel Five, who more recently turned to writing political tracts in the Reporter.
