And turning back now to political news, the UDP's convention season is finished and last night, the delegates for the Belize City constituencies were sworn in - all except Mesopotamia. That's because there was a discrepancy with the list since both the current area rep, Lee Mark Chang and the former rep, Shyne Barrow, had their own delegates.
Now, one would think that Chang, being the current elected area representative, would get to choose his own delegates. But reports suggest that the acting chairman of the UDP, Alberto August, recognizes Barrow as the caretaker. It's another episode of the soap opera that is the UDP, and today we spoke to Chang about it. Lee Mark Chang, Area Rep., Mesop
"We sent in our delegate lists. Apparently Shyne also sent in a list, and there was a stalemate, and, we couldn't come to an agreement. So it was said that we discussed with the chairman that, but Tracey, that, they would discuss it and try to hash it out like grown adults and to move forward."
"But that did not happen. So what happened afterwards was, we left, but we got information that they are doing the handing out the certificates on the street side in front of a shop and we went back and we saw the stuff and we saw some of the videos that was taken. And that's where we are right now."
Reporter
"So now what does it mean if the chairman doesn't recognize your delegates or the acting chairman? Does this mean that they will not be able to vote in the November 30th convention?"
Lee Mark Chang, Area Rep., Mesop
"First and foremost, we let's go back to the status quo and let's say, for example, yes, I was expelled. But don't forget, you know, I was reinstated in good standings, a couple months ago. And also out of the 26 divisions, only 18 were put up to to be contested, which is Tracy's allies or supporters and of course, the other eight, you know, got a by and of course these conventions went ahead and so right now we are settled the one it was agreed that all the divisions that won would not be contested in the division."
"So I'm taking it for granted that I won the seat. So of course, the delegates would be messed up delegates for me."
Reporter
"But the active chairman is still recognizing Shyne as the caretaker for Mesopotamia. So what does that mean? You're no longer a UDP?"
Lee Mark Chang, Area Rep., Mesop
"I don't know man. Sometimes it make I feel like I, I illegitimate, but, you know, eventually, I believe they will come to their senses. You know, when when, you know, resign and un-resign leader, you know that. You don't know what to expect. The goalposts is always moving and moving, and we're moving forward and adapting to the to the new goalposts."
"But then it changes again, you know, really tiresome, you know. But, you know, I have a lot of energy. So I will continue chasing that goalpost."
We did reach out to Alberto August for his take on the current status with the Mesop delegates, but he did not respond.
