A Political Debate for P.U.P. Leadership, Will it Happen?

Next week Sunday, a new leader will be elected for the People’s United Party. Candidates Francis Fonseca, John Briceño and Cordel Hyde continue with their countrywide campaigns ahead of the leadership convention on January thirty-first.  While the three are busy meeting delegates, a group of supporters are organizing a political debate where issues affecting the party, as well as the nation are expected to be tackled. We say expected because it is known that Briceño has said that he is encountering scheduling conflict with the proposed date. Organizer Glenn Tillett, however, is proceeding with plans and says the idea was born in the wake of Fonseca’s announcement that he was stepping down as Leader of the Opposition.

Glenn Tillett

Glenn Tillett, Organizer, Political Debate

“Shortly after the Honorable Francis Fonseca indicated that he intended to step down and the decision was made that there would be a leadership convention, Mrs. Carolyn Trench Sandiford proposed the idea that there should be a debate.  And so we, myself and a few other people, started asking around to see whether or not it was possible.  Honorable Francis Fonseca indicated from last month that he’d be willing to participate.  The Honorable Cordel Hyde similarly indicated that he would give it his consideration and the Honorable John Briceno was, I think, reluctant at first, but just over the past week he indicated that he would participate.  I think the feedback I’ve gotten from the electorate generally is that they would like to see an event like this, to see a debate because they see it as an opportunity to learn more about the positions of these gentlemen.  I think most people are aware of the fact that it is highly likely that one of these gentlemen would be the next prime minister of this country, the next leader of this nation.  And so, we would all want to know what are their positions on some of these issues.”

Jose Coye

Jose Coye, Committee Member, Political Debate

“The initiative is a very laudable and commendable initiative.  I think that there is a general concern about our politics in Belize.  There has been some widespread disenchantment with our politics and I think the only way we can raise the caliber and the standard is if we can do so for the candidates aspiring for leadership so that the people can get a better feel of the kind of person who they would want to give their support to.  I would give this initiative a high rating in moving in that direction of raising the standards of our politics in our country.”