The PUP did it on Monday, the UDP yesterday, and today it was the VIP, the Vision Inspired by the People that launched its campaign leading to February 7th’s big dance. This is the second general election that the VIP is contesting. They did it in 2003 with five candidates. This year they are offering 10. But that still isn’t enough to form a government. But that reality seems to be just a minor detail to the VIPs. They say they aren’t spoilers, they are serious candidates. They laid out their plan this morning and 7NEWS was there.
Keith Swift Reporting,
VIP’s ten are Martha Hendricks for Cayo West, Seagull Joseph Martinez for Lake I; Danna Myers for Belize Rural Central; Mateo Polanco for Stann Creek West; Patrick Rogers for Collet, Gilroy Requena for Cayo Central; Hubert Enriquez for Cayo South; Quentin Mejia for Dangriga, and the anchor - chairman and candidate for Belmopan Paul Morgan. And instead of promising lower taxes, more jobs, and a solution to the debt crisis – Morgan presented his candidates. He says they are his party’s platform.
Paul Morgan, Chairman - VIP
“There are only two choices you have in this election, not three- only two. You may continue this red and blue tricks and trick-nology or you may change direction and vote with the VIP direction. Our objective is for you receive proper representation and retain your rightful power. We are humble Belizeans, but we are determined, we are receptive, we are focused, we are open but we are decisive. We are your brothers and sisters in punishment. We always only the opportunity to work with you for a common good.”
A common good by a slate of common people -Morgan calls them grassroots - and
perhaps the best example is Quentin Mejia. He is known in Dangriga as the “ka-sham” man but he is now running for office.
Quentin Mejia, Candidate - Dangriga
“Me, a remnant of a man, I have to say remnant of a man, the last man you would think about who would step on the plate – Quentin Mejia the ‘ka-sham’ man. We have something that we have to do in this world. I give myself as the VIP candidate for Dangriga because I feel that death would come get. I feel I would have dead before this day but God said you know I have something for you to do. So you better get your act together because I accept you the way you are - so you better go and do my work for me. So that is why I step on this plate so I can defend my people.”
Erwin X also wants change -that’s what drove him to politics.
Erwin X, Candidate – Port Loyola
“I am sick and tired of the corruption, the mismanagement, the political trick-nology, and the games that are played by leaders who are pompous and who
believe they are the overlords of this nation. I believe that the time for us as Belizeans and for us as a people with power is to stand and stand now. We are here to challenge Belizeans to look in yourself and think – look at the situation and decide if you want to spend the next five years in the same abject conditions or you want a movement or a party with vision for change, upliftment, and direction that will benefit Belizeans not only in Port from Punta Gorda to Corozal – this means you got to go VIP.”
But even if you go VIP – these candidates probably won’t be sitting in the next Cabinet. There are not enough of them to form it. So is the slate viable? Morgan bristled at the suggestion. He says his party will be open to a coalition.
Paul Morgan,
“Enough of us will be elected that we would be needed by those who
might have a few more numbers to form government. That is called a coalition government and that is the direction the world is moving. I don’t buy the idea, from campaign, I am humble, I will tell you that I don’t know what each and every person out there is thinking but those that I speak to out there in the field while I campaign and I have been to just about every single constituency, and the people are telling us that they don’t mind – they will vote for the VIP.”
And even before it gets to a coalition government, the party’s ten can be 31 if it merges with other alternative parties. That’s been easily said but hasn’t been done. Patrick Rogers is still hopeful.
Patrick Rogers, Candidate - Collet
“We are confident we will be able to broke out some kind of deals with the parties out there in order to show Belize that we can form a government. It is not just about running for Minster. Certainly we understand that but don’t take us lightly Belize. Whenever we do anything there are always members from the other alternative parties there. We will try our very best to not create confusion. We are trying to work out our differences. Where VIP has a candidate, the others do not field a candidate. Where they have candidates…well we only have 10.”
Ten candidates and only $50,000. This morning the party released its financial records. It shows that with contributions from candidates and in kind donations from the public – the party’s budget is $50,000. Not a lot but the party says it is enough.
Paul Morgan,
“It is not the money, it is not the money at all. It is not the money that is going to make a difference. It is the message that we deliver and acceptance by the people. This status quo does not believe it as yet but the people out there are hurting and they don’t care about the big money they are spending – and right now trust me- I believe you will see a tidal wave come February 7th.”
Patrick Rogers,
“It is not if we have the goods. We do have the goods. It is whether we ready for the change Belize because I always say the change starts with yourself in the mirror and say Belize will change because I have changed.”
VIP Chairman Paul Morgan stressed that their slate of ten is “so far” – since there is a possibility that more candidates will sign on. As for the alliance with the other third parties, those negotiations continue. An alliance would be key since VIP has no candidates in the north or in Toledo. Two other parties – Will Maheia’s People’s National Party has candidates in the south and the ‘We the People Movement’ has candidates in the north. And as for the referendum on an elected senate, Chairman Paul Morgan says that while they disapprove of the PUP’s decision to hold the referendum on election day, they remain in support of an elected senate and will vote accordingly.
For more information on the party click to VIP.org.bz.
