N.R.P. showcases candidates to media
When they first appeared in the media spotlight almost two years ago the National Reform Party cut a strange figure on the political scene. Led by a Mennonite—a group that has traditionally shunned politics—boasting of deep pockets and an unsinkable faith in God, it was sometimes difficult to gauge the seriousness of the party’s intentions. Today, on the eve of the election, the N.R.P. is still hard to figure out. So News Five’s Janelle Chanona just let the candidates speak for themselves.
Cornelius Dueck, National Reform Party Leader
“I challenge the Belizean people at this moment. Stand up and say enough is enough. We cannot tolerate, we cannot condone this madness no more.”
This morning nine candidates of the National Reform Party officially introduced themselves to the electorate. So far the youngest person on the ballot is nineteen year old Denton Castillo.
Denton Castillo, N.R.P. Dangriga Candidate
“I am a born Belizean. I look at the reality of the time. What will be left for me? Adults, what will be left for your children? It is time for us to come together and to look not at the leaf ruffling in the wind but to look at the root of the problem.”
Alvaro Espejo, N.R.P. Orange Walk Central Candidate
“I pledge to work hand in hand with the people of Belize. I pledge to work hand in hand with the people of Orange Walk Central.”
Eduardo Melendez, N.R.P. Orange Walk South Candidate
“Belize is it time to rise up, it is time to take advantage of the only opportunity we have in this century to be Belizeans, to be number one, to be first, to take over, what really belongs to us. And the only way we can do it is by voting the National Reform Party.”
Hilberto Nah, N.R.P. Orange Walk North Candidate
“We are here for justice, we are here for you. Ladies and gentlemen, the National Reform Party is a party of opportunities, is a party of reformation. We are here to reform everything that seems to be corrupted.”
Pabel Torres, N.R.P. Orange Walk East Candidate
“For hope, for integrity, for justice, for reform, and for progress; vote N.R.P. because if it doesn’t work help us to help you fix it.”
Gary Lambey, N.R.P. Lake Independence Candidate
“I realize that people are tired of empty promises but I believe in the people of Lake Independence, your eyes are wide open now. On the seventh of February let us stand together for change, unite for one cause and purpose, a better life for all. Whatever they promise, we can do better.”
Louis Fermin Choc, N.R.P. Toledo West Candidate
“God doesn’t like corruption. God doesn’t like dishonesty and God doesn’t like when you take advantage of the poor. So I want to encourage all Belizeans who love God and want God bless Belize, let’s stand up for the truth.”
Ernesto Caliz, N.R.P. Belize Rural South
“This is a call that the National Reform Party is doing and the other independent parties are doing. It’s a call to the Belizean people. We don’t have to jump out of frying pan and drop inna fire. We don’t have to change monkey for black dog anymore. We have a choice.”
Estevan Bejerano, Campaign Manager, National Reform Party
“It is not about the N.R.P., let me send a strong statement, it is not about the U.D.P. or the P.U.P. or the V.I.P. or the P.N.P. or We the People. It is about you the people of Belize to exercise your God given rights as a citizen of Belize. When you go to the poll, vote on the basis of values, vote on the basis of principle, vote on the basis of understanding, vote on the basis of vision.”
Cornelius Dueck
“Our purpose here is not ever to control the people. Man is never made to be controlled by another man. We are here to empower the people.”
In addition to a strong anti-corruption platform, the promises in the N.R.P.’s manifesto: “Belize Is A Gold Mine If We Let It” include plans to increase minimum wage by fifty percent, implement a better labour policy and construct a cement factory and ethanol plant. Those major investments, says Dueck, will come courtesy of the Canadian government … but only if the N.R.P. is elected.
Cornelius Dueck
“Therefore the National Reform Party is the only hope. We could give thousands and thousands of people jobs with these industries and there is more that are willing. It is not that they just want to rule Belize or control Belize, no. They want Belizean people to rise up and to be strong in our nation.”
“If you have responsible leaders in this country, this country will turn into an eighty percent exporter instead of eighty percent importer, it will.”
Two candidates: Alden McDougal, running in Cayo North and Cayo Central’s George Boiton Jr. were absent from today’s presentation, but the N.R.P. slate is still only eleven strong.
Estevan Bejerano
“That slate is still open. We’re still pooling in candidates. Come Monday, nomination day then that door will close but there’s still room for more candidates.”
And just in case, the N.R.P. is committed to a shaky alliance with the candidates of the other independent parties.
Estevan Bejerano
“There’s many ways to skin a cat. The N.R.P. is, this is—we are not just us. We have formed friendly agreement of workmanship along with the other third parties and we are willing to form a coalition with the other third parties if needed come after election.”
Cornelius Dueck
“I believe that we will—there’s many of us will be able to make it because the whole nation is crying for a change.”
Reporting for News Five, I am Janelle Chanona.
Campaign manager Bejerano says that most of the N.R.P.’s financing comes from party leader Dueck and the Spanish Lookout community. It will be recalled that at the N.R.P.’s introductory press conference in February of 2006, Dueck vowed to field a full slate of thirty-one candidates.
