A Move That is to Be Welcomed

Julius Espat

The decision for members of the country’s oldest political organization to join forces with the B.P.P. is unconventional.  It’s a move that Cayo South Area Representative Julius Espat says people have been clamoring for.  Other members of the southern and western caucuses whose position is NO, including Stann Creek West Area Representative Rodwell Williams and Cayo North Standard Bearer Michel Chebat, were noticeably absent.  But those present say that the notion is to be welcomed in the name of nationalism.

Isani Cayetano

“Can you explain the decision or the reason behind joining forces with these other groups to come together to take a singular position?”

Julius Espat, Area Representative, Cayo South

“I think that’s incredible that we can have different organizations with different, I mean the most incredible one is Mike.  He has one of his political opponents here agreeing on something, that’s incredible for Belize, even more than myself and so I think that’s positive for Belize.  Belizeans have been asking for this for the longest, that we put political positions aside and we look at the national issues, so when we do it I don’t see the negativity in it I personally don’t.”

Mike Espat

Mike Espat, Area Representative, Toledo East

“I can’t argue with Wil with his approach.  That’s his approach, I cannot argue with him and it may not be the right approach, it might be a very dangerous approach but that’s his approach.”

Reporter

“But in this cause, in this discussion today, you all have found some common ground.”

Mike Espat

“Yeah, we came here to listen, we came here to learn.  We came here to find out how these people feel and why they feel that way in regards to the and this is important because it affects every single Belizean and it affects this country that belongs to us.  So that’s my position.”

Isani Cayetano

“You’ve taken a completely different view from the government and the government is running a robust campaign to say yes to the I.C.J. in essence.  How do you counter that in your constituency where your position will be then passed on to the masses of your voters?”

Mike Espat

“This is a very difficult election.  Number one, you’ve got fanaticism, both political parties have their fanatics and when their leader tells them to go one way that is the way they go whether they are right or wrong.”