The post of Port Loyola Standard Bearer for the PUP is a hot-button issue right now - after the man who'd been holding it for 5 years Oscar Rosado walked away form it earlier this week.
Well the man who would be happy to take his place, Gilroy Usher, Sr. held a Christmas party for two hundred children in his division today.
Usher said that he used his personal money to fund the special event - and also spoke some politics with us-he said that he's looking ahead and isn't using Rosado's exit to help him in his candidacy:
Gilroy Usher Sr. - PUP Port Loyola candidate
"Well this is part of my effort to spread the Christmas joy, I organize this party with the support of members of the community for over 200 children in the division."
Andrea Polanco
"What are they doing here today?"
Gilroy Usher Sr. - PUP Port Loyola candidate
"The party includes food, games and gifts in addition to other things."
Andrea Polanco
"So the invitation was extended to the entire community?"
Gilroy Usher Sr. - PUP Port Loyola candidate
"Well the invitation was extended to over 200 children because the I am not the standard bearer, so I have to work with the limited resources that I have."
Andrea Polanco
"You saw one of your very own Mr. Rosado backing out of the race. What do you think about the threats that he said were sent to him?"
Gilroy Usher Sr. - PUP Port Loyola candidate
"Well in relation to that, I have no comment about that because that has nothing to do with my campaign."
Andrea Polanco
"So you have nothing to do with those threats?"
Gilroy Usher Sr. - PUP Port Loyola candidate
"No, the threats have nothing to do with my campaign. I am looking forward to being the standard bearer for the division so that I can work with the people to bring upliftment to their division, that's my focus."
Andrea Polanco
"So you are not scared? You ate not going to back out of this race no matter what?"
Gilroy Usher Sr. - PUP Port Loyola candidate
"No I am not scared, I have been a champion of grassroots people for decades, I have been a teacher for over 20 years, I have been a newspaper publisher and I have always been in the frontline demonstrating calling talk shows and standing for the rights of grassroots people."
Andrea Polanco
"So with Rosado being out of the race wouldn't you say that you have a better chance of becoming the standard bearer for Port Loyola?"
Gilroy Usher Sr. - PUP Port Loyola candidate
"That was never a concern to me because I am in it to win regardless of who the challenger is; I am not scared of anyone because I am fully confident that with my qualification I can serve the people, I can address the needs of the people. I would also like to say that being a grassroots person I experience the hardships that the people are going through in the division every day, therefore I know the urgency of addressing the problems that they have to deal with on a daily basis."
Usher said that the division can expect to see more of him around because he's in it for the long haul.
