Another highlight of last night's Uncut episode was the conversation between Jules and Ian Jones. As viewers are aware, Jones rose to prominence in Belize as an avid supporter of the then-rising UDP politician, Patrick Faber.
But in one of Faber's most difficult times as a Belizean politician, Jones is positioned to replace him as the standard bearer in the Collet Division, a seat that is considered a UDP stronghold under Faber.
So, did Jones turn from a Faber loyalist to a political opportunist? Here's what he had to say when Jules put that question to him:
Jules Vasquez, Host, Uncut
"How do you answer the criticism that, well, you stabbed Faber in the back? You were an arch-loyalist to Patrick Faber. And then, as soon as the man hit a bump in that road, you switched to "Shyne," and now, you're trying to replace Faber. How can we trust you if Faber couldn't trust you, to whom you were an arch-loyalist?"
Ian Jones, Standard Bearer Aspirant, UDP Collet
"That is not true, I'll be honest with you. I did not submit my application until the last minute because -"
Jules Vasquez, Host, Uncut
"How last minute?"
Ian Jones, Standard Bearer Aspirant, UDP Collet
"My complete application went in about 5 minutes to five on Friday. That is when it was completed."
Jules Vasquez, Host, Uncut
"5 minutes before the deadline?"
Ian Jones, Standard Bearer Aspirant, UDP Collet
"Yes."
Jules Vasquez, Host, Uncut
"Why did it take so long?"
Ian Jones, Standard Bearer Aspirant, UDP Collet
"Because I was being hopeful that the Honorable Patrick Faber would have abided by the NPC's position and that, you know, his case could have been reversed. And we have him represent in Collet."
Jules Vasquez, Host, Uncut
"You wanted him to be the leader. There's a picture of you."
Ian Jones, Standard Bearer Aspirant, UDP Collet
"I did want him to be a leader before."
Jules Vasquez, Host, Uncut
"I mean, you're kneeling down in front of the man there."
Ian Jones, Standard Bearer Aspirant, UDP Collet
"No, I wasn't kneeling down."
Jules Vasquez, Host, Uncut
"But I'm saying that you were a Faber arch loyalist. What -have you lost your love and admiration for Patrick Farber as a politician? This is someone you've been following for 20 years."
Ian Jones, Standard Bearer Aspirant, UDP Collet
"Indeed, I followed Patrick Faber. I did at the time think he would have been the best person of the options who was vying for leader - but I'm not here to talk about him."
Jules Vasquez, Host, Uncut
"Yes, I get you."
Ian Jones, Standard Bearer Aspirant, UDP Collet
"I know what you're getting at."
Jules Vasquez, Host, Uncut
"Are you an opportunist, then? Because you use you stay behind him, stayed behind him, and then, as soon as the man dropped down a little. You stabbed him in the back and said, it's me now."
Ian Jones, Standard Bearer Aspirant, UDP Collet
"You know, you're a very cynical person, you know."
Jules Vasquez, Host, Uncut
"I am, and I guess politics makes you that way."
Ian Jones, Standard Bearer Aspirant, UDP Collet
"I will say that that is furthest from the truth. I will put this, and I will say this nationally and put it on record. If it were to be that tomorrow, the nominations committee would decide to revert the ruling, I would withdraw my application."
Jules Vasquez, Host, Uncut
"Really? If Patrick Faber took down his posts and was accepted back, you would withdraw."
Ian Jones, Standard Bearer Aspirant, UDP Collet
"I would withdraw for two reasons. One, we need to maintain that stronghold in Collet. And secondly, I am not that egotistic that I would say, you know what, I've already applied. It's me. No, I will be on the ground on election day, and -"
Jules Vasquez, Host, Uncut
"But you can't beat Patrick Faber."
Ian Jones, Standard Bearer Aspirant, UDP Collet
"In convention, it may be difficult, but nothing is impossible, Jules. And I'm telling you, I haven't seen bigger odds."
Jules Vasquez, Host, Uncut
"You are imagining."
Ian Jones, Standard Bearer Aspirant, UDP Collet
"Well, So I'm a dreamer. I'm an entrepreneur. All entrepreneurs are dreamers, and they're crazy."
We note that Jones's mother is currently serving as the Chairlady of the Collet UDP Executive under Faber, who is the current Area Rep.
