P.U.P. Charts Road Ahead Post Municipal Loss

Francis Fonseca

So with the recording under wraps for now and with the P.U.P. determined to handle it internally, the party has another ten thousand pound gorilla in the room. In municipal elections last week, the P.U.P. took a beating at the polls, managing to hold on to only five of sixty-seven seats and losing significant ground. For a party which can be pushed into general elections at any time, and which is at the tail end of two terms in opposition, the municipal election results may be taken as a sign that the P.U.P. is on life support. So when P.U.P. Leader Francis Fonseca stood on the steps of Independence Hall with his executive behind him this afternoon, it was to announce that knives have been sheathed to ensure the very survival of the P.U.P.

Francis Fonseca, P.U.P. Leader

“We had a very open, frank, honest discussion…in some cases brutally frank and honest. I think it was very energetic…everyone was in good spirits and people spoke very, very freely from the heart. We feel very good about the discussion that we’ve had today. Coming out of that discussion several recommendations have been made for the work of the party moving forward. We will follow up as a party on those recommendations in the very immediate future. We looked at everything, obviously the issue of resources, the issue of organization, leadership, standard bearers and as I had said I think on the day after elections at my press briefing, everything is on the table. Everything was on the table for discussion so we feel very good about the discussion today. I think coming out of it we have a clearer sense of purpose and direction. I am very grateful for the outpouring of support that I have received from the joint meeting, of confidence in my leadership. So that really was the discussion today, and we move forward in a spirit of unity and with a sense of urgency because we understand that the Belizean people are looking at the People’s United Party. They want to see that we are making the right changes, that we are making the right moves.”