Remember the good old days, when the revelation of a political scandal was worthy of a press conference? Well, these days, it seems the media uncovers about a scandal a week, and whether it's currency swapping or pillow talking, the government, it seems, could hardly be bothered. So if scandals have lost their currency and immediacy, what is worthy of an Opposition press conference? Well, how about a high profile recruitment from the ranks of the PUP? No, it's not Cordel Hyde and Mark Espat. Hardly. But while PG Deputy Mayor and first term councilor Darlene Parham may not be a marquee name she is a legitimate "fish from riva batam," and today she surfaced at a UDP press conference to say that the party she supported is corrupt.
Darlene Parham, PG Town Council Member
"During the two and a half years that I have been a councilor, and now Deputy Mayor, the Mayor has never furnished us with an accounting of how the monies of the Town Council is being used. Over and over again I have asked the Mayor, and the town administrator, verbally and in writing, to account for the people's money and they have refused. Hence the Town Council terminated the services of the town administrator but the Mayor refuses to let him go. He has refused the good accountability of the people's money, hundreds of thousands of dollars. So you see the People's United Party has no regard for the people of Punta Gorda and today I am here to declare my resignation from the People's United Party and I am joining the United Democratic Party."
Hon. Dean Barrow, UDP Leader
"As a sign of welcome, I am going to present to Darlene a membership card for the UDP. This is a kind of emblem of her determination to bring to Punta Gorda, and indeed all of Belize, the better way of the United Democratic Party. So Darlene, might I present you formally." [Applause.]
Parham was unable to cite any specific evidence of corruption in the town council. The council is led by Mayor Carlos Obeah Galvez. One councilor is dead while another lives in the United States, and one lives and works in Mango Creek. So while this flare-up may see her removed as deputy mayor she cannot be removed as councilor, and the town council, already in disarray is now also a split council.
