Hutchy knocks off Ralph in Rural Central

Perhaps the biggest upset in yesterday’s elections was the stunning win by U.D.P. newcomer Michael Hutchinson over P.U.P. legend Ralph Fonseca in Belize Rural Central. Hutchinson, a cabinet maker by profession, told us he entered politics at the village level two years ago with encouragement from veteran politician, Louis Sylvestre. He explained to News Five’s Marion Ali how it all started and what were the keys to victory.

Michael Hutchinson, Are Representative, Belize Rural Central
“I start seeing the possibilities after winning the first village council elections and then after when I got deeply into the politics I campaigned for Lucio Mr. Choc for the second term of village council and saw when you have that personal contact with people you make a difference in their surrounding and they gain confidence in you. So I start building that confidence with the people of Belize Rural Central. I know that there are certain areas in Belize Rural Central that there are strongholds but I have a wise campaign manager, Mr. John Flowers and he from time to time would tell me you know your stronghold is Ladyville and Lords Bank so all you need to do is to gain the numbers in the other areas you want to represent. We stick to the game plan and it worked.”

Marion Ali
“How much of an uphill battle was it for you?”

Michael Hutchinson
“It was pretty an uphill battle because a lot of people saw me as the underdog and most of the time people say “you noh gat nothing’ fi give”, you know, “you da no university graduate. Weh you could do”? But I have a genuine love for people. I can listen to people and I can talk to them. Finance was one of the most upset. After the party saw that I was serious they start supporting me. From there on I start feeling it wasn’t anything overwhelming compared to my opponent but it was able enough to get me around Belize Rural Central and to function properly.”

Hutchinson says he will focus on the different areas of his constituency to see what kinds of advancements the people would like to see. If he is given a chance to enter Cabinet, he says he would choose to be Minister of Human Development.