The People's United Party's national convention is set for Sunday in Corozal Town. Party leader and Prime Minister Said Musa's seat will not be challenged but the race to watch is for deputy leaders. There are three spots and four candidates. Godfrey Smith, Vildo Marin, and Johnny Briceno - all current deputies will be joined in the running by Minister of Works and Toledo West representative Mike Espat. It's a cute situation, because both Marin and Smith are Musa loyalists and will have the leader's support. But with John Briceno's recent resignation as Deputy Prime Minister, there's no telling if the party leader will urge his loyalists to support a Briceno candidacy.
But Mike Espat wouldn't be surprised or disappointed if Musa does support Briceno. We caught up with Espat at the Placencia Lobster Fest this weekend and he told Keith Swift he doesn't expect to win because he isn't campaigning.
Keith Swift,
You're running for a deputy leader in next week's convention. What do you think your chances are?
Hon. Mike Espat, PUP Candidate for Deputy Leader
"I always run so I believe that constitutionally I have a right to run."
Keith Swift,
Who do you hope to unseat, Godfrey Smith, Johnny Briceno, or Vildo Marin?
Hon. Mike Espat,
"Whoever. I think I have a right to participate."
Keith Swift,
But what do you think your chances are?
Hon. Mike Espat,
"I don't really care, I just feel that I have a right to participate. I am not out there campaigning but I believe it is my right to participate."
Keith Swift,
Has the Prime Minister told you he will support you?
Hon. Mike Espat,
"I haven't even discussed it with him."
Keith Swift,
You expect him to support you?
Hon. Mike Espat,
"I don't expect anybody to support me if I haven't been out there campaigning."
Keith Swift,
Do you expect to win?
Hon. Mike Espat,
"No."
Keith Swift,
You don't expect to win?
Hon. Mike Espat,
"No."
Keith Swift,
So why are you running?
Hon. Mike Espat,
"I have a right to run and participate."
The other seat to watch is the treasurer where Briceno loyalist Eamon Courtenay is challenging Fonseca loyalist Rodwell Ferguson.