P.U.P. Manifesto of Price, Peace and Revolution

On Monday, the People’s United Party released its manifesto for the Belize City Council elections. This afternoon, it launched its platform for the general elections. The manifesto is dedicated to the memory of George Price, who passed away last September, and is entitled Deliverance for Belize. As a matter of priority, the P.U.P. promises job creation, lower GST and a reform agenda. News Five’s Isani Cayetano reports.

Isani Cayetano, Reporting

The People’s United Party, the nation’s oldest political organization, sounded its battle cry today by launching the 2012-2016 manifesto, a national policy which promises to continue the peaceful, constructive revolution started by Right Honorable George Cadle Price decades ago.

Francis Fonseca, Party Leader, P.U.P.

Francis Fonseca

“It is fitting that we dedicate this manifesto to the memory and legacy of the Right Honorable George Price, our great leader and Father of the Nation.  Every page of this manifesto reflects our reaffirmation as a party to the philosophy and principles of George Price and our deep and unwavering commitment to serve the Belizean people.”

The call to arms comes after four years in opposition.  Leading the charge to ensure continuity in the P.U.P.’s effort to deliver Belize is party leader Francis Fonseca.  Before an audience of supporters he modestly appealed to the voting public to usher in a new era; one in which many economic opportunities will be created.

Francis Fonseca

“On March 7th, 2012, I humbly and respectfully ask you to vote for the P.U.P. candidate in your area.  Together let us put Belize back to work!”

High on the P.U.P.’s national agenda is meaningful reform where it concerns constitutional amendments and ownership of public utilities.

Anthony Sylvester, P.U.P. Standard Bearer, Queen’s Square

Anthony Sylvester

“The People’s United Party therefore will seek to enshrine in the Constitution a mandatory requirement for a referendum for any proposed amendment to our Constitution which in any way undercuts or degrades the fundamental rights and freedoms of the people.  The P.U.P. will reduce the term of government to four years and there will be a fixed date for elections in every four year cycle.  The P.U.P. is committed to an elected Senate.  A P.U.P. government will maintain majority control of public utilities.”

Carolyn Trench-Sandiford

Of equal concern are the many ills plaguing our society.  In addressing the issue of crime, security and justice P.U.P. Collet Standard Bearer Carolyn Trench-Sandiford outlined a three-pronged approach that should see a transformation in all three areas.

Carolyn Trench-Sandiford, P.U.P. Standard Bearer, Collet

“The People’s United Party will pursue a policy of cooperation between local law enforcement bodies and international enforcement partners to root out organized crime.  This will be done without compromising our sovereignty as an independent nation.  The P.U.P. acknowledges that the new approach to policing, to effectively reduce the crime rate must be based on the citizens having faith and trust in the police.  Effective response mechanisms will be implemented to protect life and property, ensuring that more police officers are on the beat, more police booths are properly manned and working with neighborhood crime watch groups, the tourist police and special constables. The use of security cameras in crime sensitive areas will be deployed.  The Gang Suppression Unit, GSU, has lost the confidence of the Belizean people and must be replaced with an effective anti-violence unit.”

The launch of the P.U.P. Manifesto comes several days after the party’s thirty-one candidates were officially nominated to contest the upcoming General Elections. Reporting for News Five, I am Isani Cayetano.

The United Democratic Party will be launching its national manifesto on Wednesday.