And while the run-up to the UDP convention is providing all the political theatre we could wish for, where’s the PUP in all this? The Opposition is celebrating its anniversary this week but apart from that, it has been mostly silent, popping up for a sniping press release here and there, but not really making an impression as a mass party which ahs serious hopes of winning the municipal elections. Two weeks ago, we asked Party Leader John Briceno about the PUP’s battle-readiness.
Jules Vasquez,
Where is the PUP in all this, it seems that the UDP is splintering on so many levels, at the municipal leadership level, but we haven’t heard from the PUP. Is the PUP a credible alternative for this upcoming municipal election?
Hon. Johnny Briceno, PUP Leader
“Well I think you will see that in March of next year where we’ll show to you and many people that are questioning that the PUP is a viable alternative and that we continue to attract good candidates, candidates that have the ability, candidates who have a good track record who will be able to take over the municipal bodies across this country. I recognize it is going to be a tough fight but it is doable.”
Jules Vasquez,
Work has to be done, I am saying that I am not seeing it being done. Is this a fault of an inactive leadership, an inert leadership?
Hon. Johnny Briceno,
“Unfortunately for you you’re not always right and this is one time that you are wrong. We have been doing a lot of work but the work starts at the local level.”
Jules Vasquez,
Is this a significant trial for your leadership in so far as if you fail here in this municipal election, and by fail I mean if you don’t at least win Orange Walk which is your stomping ground, is then your leadership in trouble?
Hon. Johnny Briceno,
“It is not a matter of the leadership of the party because again whilst I am the leader, the leadership of the party is many people, and we all recognize it is going to take a lot of work, we went through the worst defeat in the history of Belize on February 7th, and it takes a lot in rebuilding the party and getting everybody united with one common goal. But we do believe that we will do very good in the municipal elections.”
We also asked Briceno about his relations with the party’s old guard, and we’ll have the rest of that interview for you tomorrow.
