The UDP launched its manifesto last week and the pup did so today. In terms of style it is a study in contrasts: the UDP launched at a public rally style event in the open air at night, while the PUP did so in the daytime, indoors, under ice at the Bliss Center. The UDP event had the visceral tug of a large crowd - albeit somewhat bewildered at policy presentations - while the PUP had the edge-lessly impeccable choreography of a stage managed event. A difference in styles - but what about the substance? Jules Vasquez reports.
George Price Leading Anthem: "'Drive back the tyrants, let despots flee. Land of the free by Carib Sea.' One verse, thank you. On ceremonial occasions it is one verse. Remember that after I am gone."
And while the anthem was classically old school - the rest of the presentation had the zing and zip of modernity. The PUP manifesto is called the Blueprint and today's launch had all the polish and slick packaging of a presentation by a Fortune 500 company. But its not it. It is a political party and the manifesto, is broken down into 171 specific policy initiatives and 12 pledges and from a party that has promised much before, it promises much more. Like a salary increase and better yet, the party that presided over a sharp increase in the cost of living will now decrease it.
Rt. Hon. Said Musa, Prime Minister
"And yes, addressing the cost of living no matter what."
And the government that in the past 5 years could not abolish tax as promised for those earning more than $20,000 a year, they now promise to do much more
than that in the next 5. But lest we forget there is a punch line.
Rt. Hon. Said Musa,
"That is what it is all about, jobs, jobs, jobs for our people."
20,000 of them no less. Tall promises and high hopes for a government that has seen a rough 5 years, but this government says that being battle tested is a good thing.
Hon. Francis Fonseca, PUP Chairman
"Our party and government have learnt many lessons, many important lessons that will make us a better more effective more accountable government during the period 2008 to 2013."
Rt. Hon. Said Musa,
"Some mistakes were made, we all make mistakes, but make no mistake - I will continue to fight for you."
A personal pledge from a man with not much political capital to spare, but maybe that's why the manifesto has not one picture of party leader Musa - which is a manifesto first for the PUP. But it's part of the theme, as
in the video - it is all about the people.
Rt. Hon. Said Musa,
"This manifesto is really about believing in ourselves and believing in the goodness and the great potential of Belize."
A thought big enough to unite even the fractured PUP, as the candidates held hands on stage - well some held hands, some didn't - while others were fumbling like first date friends. But all that was forgotten when the flag waved, the campaign song played, and the mighty blue machine was at its finest - once again the greatest show on earth - but it's the substance of the manifesto that the voters will eventually judge.
Happily, there can be no arguing about numbers as the Bliss balcony included seats 610. There was also a modest crowd under a tent outside. And stay tuned because we've got more politics later on as we'll show yesterday's nomination parade for the UDP.
