New Political Movement Enters the Municipal Race in Belize City
Political parties often come and go during election season and candidates who form unified movements outside of the traditional two party system, are yet to emerge successful on the municipal and national stages. But that hasn’t deterred aspiring politicians who are seeking change, without having to conform to the ideals of the established parties, from forming their own movement. One such organization is the newly formed People’s Democratic Movement. The PDM recently introduced its municipal slate that will be vying for the seats at City Hall on March sixth. News Five’s Isani Cayetano reports.
George Myvett
George Myvett, People’s Democratic Movement
“We have Mr. Freeman Gongora at the head table. We have Ms. Marcella Meighan, she’s a businesswoman and a former educator. We also have Mr. Gary Matus, a small businessman. We have Ms. Alisha Eagan, young, ready, willing and able. We have Mr. Cornelio Day. If you have any familiarity with Plaza and Plaza Taxi Stand, you will know Mr. Day, he’s a wise man in this movement. He’s the sage in this movement. As was pointed out earlier, we want you to give this group of candidates of the People’s Democratic Movement a chance and you will see what Mr. Day and all the other candidates are worth.”
There’s a new roster of candidates set to run for office in the upcoming municipals, one that does not pride itself as a political party. Collectively known as the People’s Democratic Movement, the team, led by Estevan Perera Sr., is made up of eleven aspirants. Together, they have their eyes on City Hall.
Estevan Perera Sr.
Estevan Perera Sr., Mayoral Candidate, PDM
“We are gathered here because we want to make Belize a better place for all Belizeans, because in my mind I believe that all Belizeans are equal. There is nothing about one Belizean being more equal than the other, this is not Animal Farm. This is reality and we must face reality and we must work together to make Belize a free country, free for everyone so that we can live a better life.”
Improving the quality of life for all residents of Belize City is its mission statement. For the PDM to achieve this objective, its candidates must be successful at the polls on March sixth. Undoubtedly, they will face stiff competition from the mass parties and their well-established practice of political handouts.
George Myvett
“My appeal today is to say that this will not end with the mass parties. But when you look at the arithmetic of it, when you look at the arithmetic of the voter population, twenty percent will vote blue anyway and any day, twenty percent will vote red anyway and any day. It is the sixty percent whom are the independent voters, the working class people of this nation that can and will make the transformation.”
And the People’s Democratic Movement is hoping that the masses of independent voters, those who fall within the sixty percent, will make informed decisions about who they want to manage the city’s affairs going forward.
Zenobia Young
Zenobia Young, Councilor Candidate, PDM
“The portfolio that I am assigned to is human settlement, public health, playgrounds and parks. It’s your choice. You have the choice and the chance to create a change. You want a renewed Belize, a renewed city, a renewed change, then give us a chance, vote PDM.”
Perhaps the most recognizable of them all is Philip ‘Fawda‘ Henry. He has made a name for himself as an advocate for road traffic safety in and around the Old Capital. Henry has also worked under both major political parties and says he’s not impressed with what he has seen.
Philip ‘Fawda’ Henry
Philip ‘Fawda’ Henry, Councilor Candidate
“I want all homes in the city to give us respect. We will be coming to campaign to your directions, but give us the chance to explain what we can do. We are newcomers and I think that you should give us the chance to work with us because we are newcomers. We are far better than both political parties that continue numerously to come into your homes and telling you lies.”
PDM’s mayoral candidate, Estevan Perera, affirmed the organization’s pledge that it is here to work for everyone and not just a select few.
Estevan Perera Sr.
“Our commitment to this movement is that we have love for the common people in this country and we’re going to treat everybody as equals. Nobody will be above each other and we are hoping that the love we give out to these people, the love will return and we will be able to be successful in this movement to serve the Belizean people.”
Isani Cayetano for News Five.
