P.U.P. party leader says Amin Hegar’s actions are going to be taken into consideration

There is much political soup bubbling on the fire in Cayo Central with the announcement of the re-emergence of Dan Silva. But there is also some measure of controversy in Belmopan. Amin Hegar, who narrowly lost to U.D.P. incumbent, John Saldivar, in 2012, stepped aside to make way for newcomer Patrick Andrews in July. He even publicly endorsed him. But less than a week later, Hegar did an about turn and announced that he intended to run in Belmopan. He was raked over the coals last week by P.U.P. Deputy Leader Julius Espat, who said pointblank that as far as Hegar is concerned, there is no coming back. Today, P.U.P. Leader Francis Fonseca was a lot more diplomatic, but his displeasure with Hegar was obvious.

Francis Fonseca, PUP Leader

Francis Fonseca

“The door is not closed for Mr. Hegar. Mr. Hegar has not yet applied for Belmopan despite everything you have been hearing. And when Mr. Hegar applies his application will be betted by the various committees of the party and the national executive. And what I have said earlier is that I believe that his actions over the past two weeks have to form a part of that discussion in respect of his application so that is where we are with Mr. Hegar. It is in my view not a mistake because he spoke with me on the matter directly and in fact very recently has met with me again so I would not characterize what he did as a mistake. As I said all of his actions in respect of withdrawing and publicly endorsing another candidate; those are issues that I deem relevant to the application process. The party leader who makes these decisions; there are recommendation made from the various committees of the party to the executive and I sit on the executive and I have a say on that executive and I will obviously participate vigorously in that discussion. I don’t determine who the candidates will be. So I believe from my perspective that his actions are relevant to that discussion.”

Four persons have announced their intention to run in Belmopan on the P.U.P. ticket.