Is Papa Mena in or Out for the U.D.P.?

Frank "Papa" Mena

Is two-time Dangriga Area Representative Frank “Papa” Mena in or out of the race for his constituency come the November 2020 general elections?  The U.D.P. area rep was recently called out by his own committee in a letter written to party leader-elect Patrick Faber.  In that letter, a lack of confidence in Mena’s ability to regain the seat for the ruling party was cited.  The letter, endorsed by six committee members, including John Castillo former Chairman of the Dangriga U.D.P. Committee, also spoke to the fact that there has been no convention in that electoral division to choose a standard bearer to contest the upcoming general elections.  According to U.D.P. Chairman, Michael Peyrefitte, he spoke with Mena on Tuesday and there have been no indications that he will not be running in November.

Michael Peyrefitte, Chairman, United Democratic Party

“Discussions are being held and I don’t want to be premature in my position.  As you all know, Mr. Vega has sent in his letter saying he will not contest the Orange Walk North constituency.  Sedi Elrington has said he will not contest the Pickstock Division but we have received nothing official from anybody else that they are not contesting their constituency.  So we have to assume at this point that they will.”

Isani Cayetano

“Would this be taken however, the letter I am referring to, as a vote of no-confidence in Mr. Mena’s ability to lead that constituency to the next general elections?”

Michael Peyrefitte

Michael Peyrefitte

“Well it doesn’t help, but I don’t think it’s a vote of no-confidence.  We’re a united party but we’re a democratic party.  These people have a right to express what they express, it’s unfortunate that they did, but that’s a part of the game.  Like I’ve said before and continue to say, politics is a rough and tough game so you will have people who will support you and people who won’t support you but I think we will move forward from it.” 

Reporter

“But there’s a factual element in what they are writing in that no convention has been held in that constituency.  So Papa Mena, as per the party’s requirement, has not been firmly established as the candidate.”

Michael Peyrefitte

“Well all of that is in the discussion and all of that will be settled, I am confident.”

Reporter

“Is Mr. Mena still interested in running?  There were rumors that he might not be willing to do so under Patrick Faber’s leadership.”

Michael Peyrefitte

“Rumors, you said.  We don’t go on rumors.  I had a discussion with Papa yesterday, those discussions will remain private but the public will know sooner rather than later exactly what the position of the party is going forward with the divisions other than Pickstock and Orange Walk North.”

Reporter

“But it’s indeterminate.”

Michael Peyrefitte

“Well I don’t know if it’s indeterminate.  He, the party has every expectation that he will be the candidate.  Until he writes me and tells me otherwise, that’s what I have to assume.”