Leader of Opposition, “We’re a Little Surprised”

Francis Fonseca

Opposition Leader Francis Fonseca reacted within hours to the announcement of the date for general elections. Querying why so early, he said the country is in crisis and things are coming to a head in Belmopan. Earlier this month, at the launch of the Belize City branch of the National Bank, P.M. Barrow went on record to say that Belizeans would not be going to the polls any later than February or March 2016.  Fonseca told the media this afternoon that the People’s United Party is confident that it will form the next Government of Belize.  One of the prime reasons for the Prime Minister’s change of heart, according to Fonseca, is attributed to the depletion of Petrocaribe funds.

Francis Fonseca, Party Leader, PUP

“We’re a little surprised because just a few weeks ago Mr. Barrow, I think, publicly said that he did not intend to call elections until next year.  He was looking at February or March he said.  So the question is why?  Why?  And that, I think, is the question that all Belizeans are asking themselves today.  Why is there a sudden urgency for elections to be held on November fourth?  And for us the answer is very clear, the country is in crisis.  There are looming economic crises coming, facing Belize.  The Petrocaribe monies are running dry, that is clear.  And, of course, there are other internal issues within the government which are coming to a boiling point.  So we understand what is taking place.  The People’s United Party, we believe the Belizean people more importantly are ready and so for the next five weeks we will have an opportunity to meet with the Belizean people across the country.  Our power to the people tour has been very, very successful.  It has energized the base of our party, we have to take that message now to the rest of the country and that is what we will do over the next five weeks, leading up to election day on November fourth.  And we are very confident, if we do that, do our work, we take that message of hope and opportunity to the Belizean people, we talk to them about economic reform, about governance reform, about education and health reform, we are confident that the People’s United Party will form the government  on November fourth.”