Well known media personality and aspiring politician, Frank "Pawpa" Mena is tonight in the Southern Regional Hospital recovering after receiving first degree burns to 25% of his body.
At 7:30 last night, Mena, who is offering himself as the UDP mayoral candidate in Dangriga Town had just come off the campaign trail and was at a friend's house, when according to reports, he started idly playing with a lighter. Somehow, the lighter burst into flames, and set Mena on fire. It caught unto his head and his shirt, and his friends used a cushion to put it out.
Mena was rushed to the hospital where he remains tonight. Mena received burns to the face, the head the side of his body and his entire back. The burns are considered first degree and he is expected to make a full recovery.
How does this affect his political candidacy? Today Party leader Dean Barrow told us that Mena remains committed to running in the municipal elections which are 20 days away. Barrow did concede however that there may be some complications with nomination day which is set for next Tuesday countrywide. There is concern however, over whether Mena will be well enough to make it to the elections and boundaries office on Tuesday. Barrow says he will review the law to see what can be worked out.
