Saldivar Explains Why He Wants to Contest P.U.P. Belmopan Convention

Arthur Saldivar

The three candidates who have been accepted to contest the convention are Oscar Mira, Wiezsman Pat and Michelle Rodriguez. After this morning’s court session, Saldivar told supporters who had gathered at Battlefield Park why he wants to contest the P.U.P.’s Belmopan convention.

Arthur Saldivar, Suing the P.U.P.

“We are looking at a situation in Belize where the cost of living has gone way out of control. The average family is disintegrating as a result of not being to make ends meet. Where the housewife has to go and find two, three jobs now because the paycheck of the husband can no longer suffice the family. So there are serious things to be dealt with in Belize, serious things to be dealt with in Belmopan in particular. I believe that the PUP is the best party for Belize. We have been the party that has secured universal adult suffrage. To give young people the vote. We are the party that brought about self government, to charter the way for self determination. And certainly we are the party of political independence and now we should be the party to usher the second revolution, economic independence. I believe I can be instrumental in that task, bringing about economic independence. This is what we need in order to give our people a viable chance to be contributors in our economic life here in Belize. Unemployment is the biggest problem that we have. It is what leads to crime and misery. So this is the reason why I am here. Forming my own party has never been a consideration. I have been a P.U.P. all my life.”

The five defendants named include: P.U.P. Leader John Briceño who is being represented by Senior Counsel Eamon Courtenay. Courtenay as well is being sued as the P.U.P.’s legal advisor. He is being represented by Gavin Courtenay. Henry Charles Usher the Chairman of the P.U.P. is also a defendant. He is being represented by Senior Counsel Said Musa. John Wade, chairman of the P.U.P.’s Belmopan committee and the party’s Linsford Castillo have also been named in the claim. They are being represented by Senior Counsel Andrew Marshalleck.