P.U.P.’s Marco Tulio Mendez Steps Down as Orange Walk East Area Rep

Reports circulated last week but tonight there is confirmation – popular P.U.P. Area representative for Orange Walk East, Doctor Marco Tulio Mendez, has decided to step down. He made the announcement this morning at his political office, where he says he will stay in a supporting role for whoever will be the new standard bearer in the area. Mendez has been ailing for some time as a result of herniated disks near his neck, and it has gotten so bad that he has been advised to remove himself from the very active role of Area Representative.

Dr. Marco Tulio Mendez, Area Representative, Orange Walk East

Marco Tulio Mendez

“I have been really considering and after so much time looking into it I have made up my mind that yes I will be stepping down as the Standard Bearer of the Orange Walk East constituency because of the recommendations that have been given to me. Of course, being a doctor and considering the risk factors that are involved with the activity that I have been doing I have definitely made up my mind. It has not been an easy decision. I have been to Guatemala and also doctors here, and Merida, but I do consider that it is the most prudent and the best decision that I am making, a decision which of course I am deeply honoured to have been supported by the people of the Orange Walk East constituency. I am honoured to have been serving them in this period, but for the best interests of my people because of the activities that will be coming, the constant campaigning, I think there is another person that is supposed to be having that role.”

Armando Valdez

Armando Valdez, Senior Advisor, OW East Executive

“There are, there will be, there may be interested parties to replace Dr. Mendez in the Party, but that will be the decision of a convention that we must hold. Our constitution calls for a convention to elect a Standard Bearer – whether it is contested or just endorsed. At the moment we are hearing about Josue Carballo. I’m beginning to hear about Dave Burgos. Maybe there are more. We don’t know, but all that will have to come through the Executive Committee.”

Dr. Marco Tulio Mendez

“Orange Walk East does have an executive, does have a structure. The Party had been informed about it. We’ll be moving to find the best person that will be serving and will be running for the Orange Walk East as a Standard Bearer.”

News Five has been reliably informed that at a meeting of the Executive Monday night, aspirant Josue Carballo was endorsed, but we got no indication or confirmation of that today.