Oscar Rosado, he was the PUP's standard bearer in the Port Loyola division in 2008 - and - though he lost - he's kept working in the division - with the hope and expectation that he would run again in 2013.
But it is not to be, Rosado who has been working in the division for 5 years called it quits today. But he's not gracefully retiring from politics, Rosado is pulling out with bitter regret, and more than that, he's resigning from the PUP. He sent a formal letter to the party chairman dated today saying he's had enough.
He says he's been getting death threats - and it started two weeks ago when he offered himself for the seat once more. He told Jules Vasquez more about the disturbing messages.
Jules Vasquez
"Why?"
Oscar Rosado, Resigns from PUP
"Well Jules I sent in my name and application to offer myself again for the standard bearer position in Port with good intentions."
Jules Vasquez
"How long ago?"
Oscar Rosado, Resigns from PUP
"That was a couple weeks ago and I noticed that since I sent in the letter, I have been getting phone call threats. And the person told me that if I withdraw I choose to live and if I do not and I continue and contest I must blame myself because I have chosen to die. Now that it's started I wanted to put a stop because I cannot handle it anymore, maybe when I was younger I could but not now. It's affecting me and I am just getting over that past threat and I think I will get sick, even if they don't come to kill me I might die from a stroke or so. I just have to say that enough is enough."
Jules Vasquez
"I know that it's been so many years that you have been in there. It's almost 5 years if I am not mistaken. You have invested a lot which is very difficult to walk away from, you've put your heart and soul into it, I have seen you know the frontline."
Oscar Rosado, Resigns from PUP
"That's the investment I have put and that is what hurts me that I have to say goodbye to the people of Port. But my life is important and I know I can walk into their homes at anytime. A lot of people have called me and tell me not to do it but you know I will remain being their friends and I will work in other organizations. Personally I will continue working with them and I know I have gained their friendship, their love, their respect and I want to thank them today for that even though I cannot do it through the People's United party."
Jules Vasquez
"Do you feel Oscar that you are being forced out by elements within your own party?"
Oscar Rosado, Resigns from PUP
"Yes I feel it. Like some people say Oscar you shouldn't even mention it - I've been tolerating for quite some years, I have not been popular and even with the support that I gave to the Hon. Mark Espat I do believe that it's a tactic to get me out."
Jules Vasquez
"You are still a registered voter. Are you registered in Port Loyola?"
Oscar Rosado, Resigns from PUP
"I am registered and my entire family is registered as we lived there for almost 25 years."
Jules Vasquez
"Will you vote for whoever is elected as the PUP standard bearer in the next election?"
Oscar Rosado, Resigns from PUP
"No, no. I am resigning now from the People's United Party. I will never give my vote for where I am not wanted. I know I am not wanted in the organization and so I will not support anybody there. They all want me out so I guess they have won."
Rosado says he will not make a comeback - and will not endorse a successor.
