Just like in every other district, the momentum in Cayo District was set from the moment the polls opened at seven a.m. Although there were some quiet periods throughout the day, by six p.m., it was clear how the voting had gone in some divisions. The People’s United Party secured all but one seat. The exception was in Cayo West, where Jorge ‘Milin’ Espat represented the residents since 2020. The winner in Wednesday’s elections was UDP candidate Miguel Guerra. News Five’s Marion Ali reports on the outcome of the polls in the Cayo District.
Marion Ali, Reporting
Michel Chebat won his seat in Cayo North by nearly eight hundred votes over UDP candidate Dr. Omar Figueroa. Chebat promises to be more engaged with his constituents moving forward.
Michel Chebat, Area Representative, Cayo North
“What will certainly change is greater engagement with the people who have contributed to this victory – all these people here contributed to my victory so I think a greater level of communication with them has to take place. We have to look keenly at the needs of this community. I can tell you that in Bullet Tree for example, one of the big needs is a proper water system and I intend to deliver that over the next five years. We saw here in Cayo North and in Bullet Tree with the recent floods, the great need for streets and drains in this community and we want to deliver on that as well. I can tell you that I’m proud to be part of a government, the previous administration, that in June of this year we’ll be delivering N.H.I. to the people of the Cayo District.”
In Cayo Northeast, incumbent Area Representative Orlando Habet easily defeated Alberto Fernandez. Habet’s victory is especially meaningful because a low voter turnout initially caused concern. However, by the end of the day, Habet won by a larger margin than in the last election. He understands that expectations in his division will be even higher now.
Orlando Habet, Area Representative, Cayo Northeast
“In the beginning we thought that the poor turnout could have affected the results for us. We had anticipated a certain percentage turnout. The turnout was much lower, but true to fact, the people who supported me came out and gave me their support. I will have to seek the support, not only from the government, but I also have a strong team in my executive and in the people that I had in my ministry, if I get the same ministry, to write up project proposals for some of the projects that we want to see executed within my constituency.”
In Cayo Central, Alex Balona was re-elected for a second consecutive term. He is prepared to continue working to deliver on Plan Belize 2.0.
Alex Balona, Area Representative, Cayo Central
“There’s a lot more houses to build, there are more house lots to deliver, there is N.H.I. to deliver. We have more to do in education, in sports, and we have jobs to create for our people.”
The P.U.P.’s loss was suffered in Cayo West, where Jorge “Milin” Espat was defeated by the U.D.P.’s Miguel Guerra, who thanked his team.
Miguel Guerra, Area Representative, Cayo West
“My campaigners who worked for no money; the taxi operators who helped me without me paying them because I did not have the money for my campaign. I didn’t have it. This victory is for the people. I want to give my heartfelt appreciation to all my campaigners who up to right now have not been paid. I want to give thanks to the taxi men who said “Mike, we will work with you”. Mike Guerra won without any money without any flag on poles.”
Julius Espat secured his seat in Cayo South, defeating UDP candidates Dr. June Young and Antonio Samayoa. Espat told News Five that the vast size of the Cayo South constituency makes it challenging to reach everyone. However, meeting the residents was crucial for his victory. He aims to continue helping residents gain access to land and improve infrastructure.
Julius Espat, Area Representative, Cayo South
“Our problem was that people were telling us, “You done already so why should we come out?” So we were going house to house trying to explain to them that it’s important to voice what you want in a democracy. So we managed to convince most of the people we had pledges for, but it’s still a bit lower than the last time. I think the last time we had seventy percent turnout. This time it was close to sixty – fifty something. The issues in rural communities are predominantly land, that’s number one. Infrastructure is very important because we have a lot of rural roads. And then the basics: health, education, but land is number one.”
The election results in the Cayo District were determined long before midnight. Marion Ali for News Five.
