Only one P.U.P., but division still exists
When we last reported on the People’s United Party on Tuesday, the top posts in the new executive, except for two of the four deputies, had been settled. Francis Fonseca and Dan Silva had agreed to remain but of the two remaining seats, one was offered to brothers-in-law duo, Mark Espat and Cordel Hyde. The offer was turned down but oracles could have read the smoke and deduced that Espat and Hyde wanted back in. But there is now trouble for party leader John Briceño. This past Wednesday, two days after the deadline for submission of names for election to the executive, Briceño was sent a letter signed by the new alliance comprising, Espat, Hyde, Fonseca and Florencio Marin Junior, all parliamentarians. The same letter was copied today via e-mail to executive members. The letter speaks volumes of the power struggle and infighting in the PUP as it heads to the national convention in October. In the latest salvo to Briceño, the four propose that Marin be made a deputy party leader. And in what can be interpreted as a direct attack on executive members Eamon Courtenay and Narda Garcia, the four want (quote) “financing to emerge from the shallows” (unquote) and revamp the secretariat and communication operations. For good measure, they also give Briceño a deadline and want a response by this Friday. Notably, the former leader and Fort George rep, Said Musa, did not append his signature on the letter. Briceño wished not to comment on the latest maneuverings. But late this evening, the PUP sent out a release which details the nominations that were presented within the established deadline. And according to the release, these persons will be presented for ratification at the convention. A perusal of the list does not show Espat, Hyde or Marin’s name for deputy party leaders, but it does show Carolyn Trench-Sandiford and Mike Espat as the other two deputies. Other new comers to the executive are Rachel Montejo, Lisa Shoman, Arthur Saldivar and Luke Espat. The PUP says that it will also propose for approval six new posts to the executive.
I do not know what kind of game Hyde, Espat, Marin and Fonseca are playing, the questions i would like to ask them are: why did they not avail themselves of the opportunity to submit their applications for leadership positions in the national executive in the upcoming national convention within the timeline given for such applications? where were they when Hon. Briceno was travelling the length and breadth of the jewel speaking and consulting with constituencies, now that he has done the hard work and set the table they just want to come in pull up their chairs, put their feet under the table ready to eat, this is not the way gentlemen, you should have put in your pound, stop behaving like spoilt brats, just because you cannot have your way you now want to hold the party to ransom, if you really have the interest of the PUP at heart as you claim then it is time to put aside your personal agendas, roll up your sleeves and begin to work together to once again reclaim Belmopan thus returning the country back to the tranquil haven of democracy we once use to enjoy. This is not the time to create mischief and division amongst our ranks. If we are to defeat the UDP then it is important that we unite.
The Belizeans are killing each other. No one, not even the politicians can honestly say that they feel safe walking the streets of Belize. We have thrown rocks at the PM & his cabinet which they deserved & despite their recent shake up, they have managed to not look like a bunch of sniping petty little girls, with the exception of that Moya Thing. .
Belize needs a strong opposition to keep people engaged & the other side honest. You are obviously trying to include more women in decision making capacities which is what many of us have asked for but the fighting has to stop. Clean up the party & show the people who want to support you that you are ready. PUP cannot remain our parents party & expect blind loyalty from this generation that is better educated & has access to more information than our parents could imagine.
WELL SAID i realy liked a lot your comment. Darius Martinez