Jose Mai is Prepared for Redistricting Exercise in OW South

Jose Abelardo Mai

As it stands, Orange Walk South has approximately seven thousand registered voters and the most votes in favor of P.U.P. Area Representative Jose Abelardo Mai, by community, came from Guinea Grass Village.  But what’s to happen following a redistricting exercise which could likely see the constituency redrawn?  That’s what we asked Mai earlier this week.  He begins by addressing the importance of such an exercise.

Jose Abelardo Mai, Area Representative, OW South

“I believe that redistricting is a very important activity.  I mean, to have everybody has an equal opportunity.  I have close to seven thousand voters, I have worked since 2006 for my constituency, so I know every family.  If I don’t know them by name, I know the father, the sister or the brother’s name, so it’s a little difficult to let go of some of your people but it is what it is.  In politics, that’s the way it goes.  I have to be prepared for it, that’s all.”

Reporter

“Are you confident that at the polls again, you’d be able to retain or keep Orange Walk South?”

Jose Abelardo Mai

“I think I’ve put in my work for my constituency and for the country as the Minister of Agriculture, but the people are the better judges of that.  I can’t pat myself on the shoulder, the people will do that for me.”

Marion Ali

“Was Guinea Grass one of your strongholds?”

Jose Abelardo Mai

“It took us twenty years to win a village council for the P.U.P. in Guinea Grass, twenty years, and in 2020, the biggest margin win was Guinea Grass with four hundred and twelve votes.  That gave us the biggest win in the entire Orange Walk South.  Before that, Yo Creek use to give us the biggest win.”