But is the UDP having trouble keeping candidates because of money issues? There have been reports that candidates haven't been receiving any financing. Peyrefitte dismissed it as rumors without proof and added that mass parties are always looking for more funding. Plus, he explained that, like any good suitor, the UDP has more to offer than just money.
Reporter
"We see where there are reports and even quarrels about certain candidates not getting the sort of financial backing that they need to run their campaigns. Can you tell us if that is in fact the case or if Mr. Barrow is putting out the money needed?"
Michael Peyrefitte, SB UDP Chairman
"Well you're the one asserting? Show me where that is. Who said that? No, no, no. I'm asking. You said that there have been quarrels and you've seen reports. Show me the reports?"
Reporter
"So let's look at."
Michael Peyrefitte, SB UDP Chairman
"No, but I'm asking you. Show me the report. You are asserting a thing. Show me what you're asserting?"
Reporter
"Well, I'm asking you to clarify if that's the case."
Michael Peyrefitte, SB UDP Chairman
"No man. You want me to comment on an imaginary situation. If you have a real situation, show me. But what we're going to right now is what we've always gone through. I think it's very insulting to the Belizean people to say, oh, you have to have so much money because you have to pay people to vote for you."
"No. No. You can't pay the Belizean people to vote for you."
Reporter
"Sir, but it's the status quo."
Michael Peyrefitte, SB UDP Chairman
"Hold on. Hold on. I am telling you what I believe. Who pay people?"
Reporter
"Mr. Wade got up moments ago and he complian bitterly."
Michael Peyrefitte, SB UDP Chairman
"No, no, no, no. No, no, no. But you're a journalist, sir. You're a journalist. Before you say people, pay people for vote, you need to have some proof of that."
Reporter
"Just light of making sure the machinery is well-oiled, has the part faced difficulties in the past few weeks attracting financiers?"
Michael Peyrefitte, SB UDP Chairman
"What do you mean by oiled?"
Reporter
"Making sure that you have a balance ready."
Michael Peyrefitte, SB UDP Chairman
"Because what I think is oiled is keeping the people informed. What I think is oiled is putting out a manifesto that we can deliver on. A party is well-oiled if they have their act together and they're doing things what they want to do. You listen to me. Listen to me. Let me break it down, you as a fairly good-looking man trying to capture a nice young lady to marry you. Is your only attribute you bring to the relationship money? No. Don't you? Don't you have to be nice, don't you have to be courtious, don't you have to be a gentleman, don't you have to have manners and respect for women, there are so many things other than just money."
"So when you say, is he a good man, the only measurement that how much money he has? No. Is he? Is he? And that's disrespectful to the ladies. If the only thing a political party can do is provide money, and it's your money, then there's something out of whack."
"I would like to think that the Belizean people want to hear something deeper than just that. They want to be assured that if they elect a particular party to serve in government, they can make their lives better."
