U.D.P. Caribbean Shores up for grabs

As we reported on Wednesday night, Minister Carlos Perdomo is calling it quits. Even though on December sixth, 2010, he handily beat Councilor Roger Espejo and was re-elected to run in the affluent Caribbean Shores constituency, Perdomo is stepping down and will not contest the next general elections. Aside from ministerial scandals in immigration and the B.D.F., Perdomo has been experiencing health issues over a bad knee. As soon as word got out about Perdomo’s intention, Caribbean Shores opened up for grabs. Beltraide’s Executive Chair Mike Singh was first to indicate interest but for him to run, we are told, he will have to step down at BELTRAIDE. By this morning two other names were being called. Councilor Espejo is not ruling out a re-run and the affable Santiago Castillo Junior, is being courted to put his name on the ballot. Whoever emerges for the U.D.P., will have to face the P.U.P.’s Anthony Mahler, who has already had a head start and whose machinery is well oiled in that area.

Also, in respect of the People’s United Party, this Saturday, the opposition will be holding what is called a special national convention. It is billed as special because earlier this year, a national convention was held in Orange Walk when John Briceño was endorsed as party leader.   The installation of Francis Fonseca as the new party leader after a tumultuous week of political upheaval is the only item for Saturday’s event. Fonseca’s elevation leaves one spot vacant for a deputy party leader and it is expected that other posts on the executive will become vacant after the convention to allow Fonseca to name his own team.