P.U.P. Introduces Social Contract Ahead of Upcoming Elections

In the past few weeks, the P.U.P. has rolled out several of the party’s platforms which it plans to implement and stand behind if elected to office. This morning, it was another, comprehensive commitment couched in the form of a Social Contract. Mike Rudon was at Independence Hall for the launch and has that story.

Mike Rudon, Reporting

This morning, most of the P.U.P.’s Standard Bearers and Area Representatives were on hand as the Party introduced its reform agenda, a platform which it says is a critical response to the reality Belizeans face today.

Francis Fonseca

Francis Fonseca, P.U.P. Leader

“The Belizean reality in 2015 is waste and corruption in government, a hotbed of corruption at the lands Department, widespread corruption at Immigration resulting in the scandalous and shameful sale of our national identity by Cabinet ministers…the erosion of the rule of law, deepening inequalities in the allocation of economic and social opportunities grounded in a very dangerous philosophy of U.D.P. first, Belizeans second…widespread politicization of the Public service and the absence of oversight and accountability at every level of government .”

To address those issues, and more, the P.U.P. today launched its Social Contract with the People – pulling out all the stops in governance, education, health and social reform.

Julius Espat

Julius Espat, Deputy Leader, P.U.P.

“We will build a forward Base at the Sarstoon and additional outposts in the Chiquibul.  We will disband the Gang Suppression Unit.  We will repeal the draconian gun laws and provide for the firm but fair regulation for the use of guns.  We will appoint the thirteenth Senator. Reconfigure and empower the Public Accounts Committee.  Reconfigure and empower the Integrity Commission.”

And while those commitments address the critical components of security reform, oversight and accountability, there is more.

Dolores Balderamos-Garcia

Dolores Balderamos-Garcia, Deputy Leader, P.U.P.

“This is our commitment on health…and it’s one sentence…fully roll out the National Health Insurance nationwide and invest and appropriate sufficient funds to improve health infrastructure to ensure the provision of safe, accessible and affordable health care. We will raise the minimum wage and we will review and revise labour laws to ensure fair practices by employers and employees and update legislation to protect worker safety. We will appropriate sufficient funds to ensure free education to all students from pre-kinder through high school and sixth form. We will create a public fund to be known as the Upliftment Fund comprising the remaining proceeds of the remaining Petrocaribe funds. The fund is to be administered by a Board of Governors including the Social Partners.”

One by one, the P.U.P. candidates who are seeking to represent the people in government after November fourth signed their names to the symbolic contract with the people.

Francis Fonseca

“Today, my friends we publicly commit to this social contract with you, the Belizean people. For eight years, eight long years, Belize has witnessed the power of one man…one man who has said NO to the Thirteenth Senator…one man who has said NO to the Integrity Commission…one man who has said NO to the Public Accounts Committee…one man who has protected and defended corruption and incompetence among his ministers…one man who listens to no one and consults with no one. Our social contract is about the power of the people…giving back power to the people.”

All those reforms will be initiated, says the P.U.P., within one hundred days. Mike Rudon for News Five.