Capital City Nomination
In the west, the People’s United Party is hoping to stage a comeback. This morning its supporters were out early for the nomination of Julius Espat for Cayo South and Amin Hegar for Belmopan. News Five’s Isani Cayetano reports.
Isani Cayetano, Reporting
Under the banner of the majestic blue and white a gathering of P.U.P. apostles hoisted Cayo South standard bearer Julius Espat onto their shoulders as they proceeded along the short entranceway to the Ministry of Works compound. To the crowd that assembled in Belmopan, this morning Espat is their champion—a man who promises to make life better for them once elected. To do so he needs to unseat Ramon Witz on Election Day. Today however, he is basking in the glory of being nominated.
Julius Espat, P.U.P. Standard Bearer, Cayo South
Julius Espat
“The momentum is because of a year and a half worth of work. We have been on the ground visiting the people and I think the momentum is at the right spot right now. We are ready for March seventh—our team is in place, our structure is in place, out machinery is well oiled and we are just waiting for the day.”
Isani Cayetano
“You mentioned that this has been a working process over the period of a year. What has that been like in terms of visiting the different residents within the constituency?”
Julius Espat
“It has been very exciting. But to be honest with you, Ramon Witz has allowed me to go and visit the people of Cayo South because he has really abandoned them. So it has given us an opportunity to sit in every single home—people that voted U.D.P., people that voted P.U.P. welcomed us because they wanted somebody that has a plan and somebody that has a vision.”
His comrade, Dr. Amin Hegar, also assured their followers a seat in the House of Representatives by defeating U.D.P. area representative John Saldivar. It’s a challenge that will see the career eye doctor-turned-politician squaring off against an established adversary. Despite the task at hand, he maintains that residents of the Garden City should demand more from those in public office.
Dr. Amin Hegar, P.U.P. Standard Bearer, Belmopan
Amin Hegar
“We have a great support in Belmopan. That is showing you that Belmopan is definitely going blue. Wherever you go—all business people, poor people, ladies, men, children—they can tell you that Belmopan is going to vote for Amin Hegar and also vote for Jorge Flores in the next coming elections to make the City Council and the Area Representative be blue because the people in Belmopan, Belize also are suffering. There is forty-two percent poverty and that should tell you. I don’t think the forty-two percent will go and vote for a government that is red when they have caused so much suffering for so long. You know the reason for resigning? Because they cannot continue managing the economy. Mister Barrow knows well that his report card has been a failure; he doesn’t know what to show. Similarly, John Saldivar in Belmopan has nothing to show. He has broken promises.”
News Five attempted to reach U.D.P. area representatives John Saldivar and Ramon Witz for an interview prior to this afternoon’s nominations but we were unsuccessful. Reporting for News Five, I am Isani Cayetano.
