We continue tonight with our campaign coverage as our team traveled north to Corozal town. Many pundits consider Corozal a safe seat for the People's United Party, but the UDP argue that with a scandal wracked, cash strapped central government, nothing's safe for the PUP. We were in Corozal to gauge for ourselves.
Alfonso Noble Reporting, [alfnoble@yahoo.com]
Our municipal elections campaign trail has brought us here to Corozal town where the pressure for both the PUP and the UDP is of similar proportions. For the PUP because they are incumbent and for the UDP because they are hungry for a win after the PUP has controlled this municipality for the past 9 years.
Mario Narvaez, PUP
"We are campaigning out there and we are campaigning on achievements and accomplishments."
Hilberto Campos, UDP
"Campaigning is going excellent, the response of the people is tremendous, it motivates us to see the Corozalenos requesting and demanding this change."
And as the politicians sell their messages while the populace sell their products to survive one thing is clearly underlined: if you are to gauge from these mayoral candidates' point of view, reality for Corozalenos is very different.
Mario Narvaez,
"We are very happy to inform our voters out there that we did accomplish all of these projects that we had in our manifesto."
Hilberto Campos,
"The present administration is bragging about so much accomplishment and the people don't see it, we don't see it any all. The manifesto of the last term was a farce, it wasn't delivered. We've wasted nine years, that is what the people are claiming. They are not going to allow this administration to be there one more day. Nine years of nothing, nine years wasted down the drain, and Corozalenos have opened their eyes, they realize it's time for a change."
And as both Campos and Narvarez take their gospel to the population one thing that both these men have to contend with is the pressing national issues that weigh heavy on Corozal at this time. One of those issues that has literally struck at the heart of the municipality is the Fort Barlee sale.
Hilberto Campos,
"Most definitely the national issues are a big concern for the Corazlenos. They are not longer ignorant to what is happening out there in our country. They are well informed. They have a similar situation about the sale of Fort Barlee. Fort Barlee was sold. If I was under the mayorship, I wouldn't have allowed that, I would have stood up for my people of Corozal. They sold out our patronage. What are they going to sell next?"
Mario Narvaez,
"One or two voters out there have mentioned this to us. If I tell you no I am lying but at the end of the day, after we discuss matters of their concern, they say, 'guess what its all about you all doing a beautiful job here for our town and there's another time for that to be taken into.'"
And that view of another time and another election lays the ethos at the feet of Corozal Bay Area Representative Vildo Marin who is the one responsible for a significant majority of those voters in the municipal elections.
Hon. Vildo Marin,
"All elections are important for us and certainly we take all elections seriously and certainly it is important that we continue winning elections as a party. People really are traditionally very strong supporters of the People's United Party. If you take a poll right here in Corozal town, you will find out that there are more PUPs than UDPs and yes certainly the national issues does play an important role but they're keeping it local."
And while Marin keeps it local those running for the 'local' issues say all will be told on counting day. Campos adds that because of the PUP's incumbency it may well be an easier win for the UDP.
Hilberto Campos,
"It might be easier. It has been stated by the people of Corozal, the change is going to happen. Their long nine years has just proven that they're incapable of governing."
Mario Narvaez,
"We've never taken anything for granted. We're going out there visiting every household, every voter, sit with them, and the first thing we ask is if they have any concerns or complaints and if they don't then we present our manifesto briefly and we show them how we invite them to vote on the first of March."
We continue our election trail on Monday when we take you to Orange Walk Town where northern general, Deputy Prime Minister John Briceno has to save face and hold serve against a resurgent UDP camp.
