Belize Rural South candidates face off
It’s a constituency that is probably the most affluent in the nation, as it includes the tourism havens of San Pedro and Caye Caulker. It is being contested by a man and a woman, who, although well known in their community, are nonetheless newcomers to the national political scene. Earlier this week the P.U.P.’s Patty Arceo and U.D.P.’s Manuel Heredia took time out to chat with News Five’s Patrick Jones as part of our continuing coverage of “Elections ’98”.
Patty Arceo, P.U.P., Belize Rural South
“The main issues right here in our area, which is Belize Rural South, is all about tourism. You know that that is the main thing, the main industry here in San Pedro. So definitely it is about tourism because with the economy that circulates with tourism, we can address the social issues when it comes to the education and health, just to name a few that we need to integrate here in our island of San Pedro and also Caye Caulker.”
Manuel Heredia Jr., U.D.P., Belize Rural South
“The main issues in Belize Rural South as most people know is the San Pedro, Caye Caulker and the other villages are mostly based on tourism and the fishing industry which I believe personally that I have been involved a lot in these two in major industries. I have the experience, I have the talent and I have the touch with the people to be able to better this area which I feel that this, our present government has done a wonderful job to make these two industries go ahead.”
Q: “What will Patty Arceo do for Belize Rural South and the entire country of Belize if you are elected?”
Patty Arceo
“Well, definitely try to give the best representation that we can because, San Pedro and Caye Caulker, or the area of Belize Rural South is not just about concentrating in this area, but it is also concentrating on the rest of the country. Again I refer to tourism which is our main focus. We believe that the income generated in that, we could be supplying the rest of the country with the basic infrastructure that is needed.”
Manuel Heredia Jr.
“Well, I think Manuel Heredia Junior, your humble servant has a lot of experience to share, since I am a grassroots. I know what it takes for the ordinary people to be able to survive, to better off themselves and to better the whole community. And I think I share a lot of wealth, being involved in a number of organizations like the Fisheries Advisory Board, the Belize Fishermen Association, Lions Club and many other organizations. Since I was a kid I have been involved in many of these things, so I think that I share a lot of wealth for the future of my constituency and Belize as a whole.”
Q: “Your opponent is Patty Arceo, a newcomer like yourself, what do you think will put Manuel Heredia Junior above Patty Arceo?”
Manuel Heredia Jr.
“I appreciate Patty, she is a pretty intelligent girl and I think she has high potential. But I think at this moment I am more prepared to be able to do a better job for Belize Rural South since I have the experience as a family man, as a person who has been in touch with the people on a day to day basis and I think that is the factor: the way you have served your people.”
Patty Arceo
“The one thing is definitely the people. They are the ones and I know that we have all the people that we need both, even from his side that is giving us all the support. So it’s definitely the people that is putting, not only me, but the country ahead of everything.”
Each day we will spotlight a different constituency as part of our series “Elections ’98”.
