Does Barrow U.D.P. Have Financial Backing for Election?

When we spoke with Michael Peyrefitte in Belmopan today, we asked if the Moses “Shyne” Barrow U.D.P. has the funds to run a strong campaign and election. Viewers might remember that a few months ago, Anthony “Boots” Martinez claimed Barrow doesn’t have the wealth he says he does. Running in a general election, especially for a major party, is costly. The discussion then shifted to what voters expect from their candidates in return for their votes. Here’s how it unfolded.

 

Michael Peyrefitte, Chairman, U.D.P

“What we are going through right now is what we have always gone through. The UDP at its worst national election moment in 2022, we had thirty-two thousand people vote for the UDP. We are a mass party. People contribute. People volunteer their service, they assist the party for the betterment of their country because they know that the UDP is better Belize. So, it is not all about money as people would want to have us believe. I think it is very insulting for the Belizean people to say oh you have to have so much money because you have to pay people to vote for you. You cant pay people to vote for you.”

 

Paul Lopez

“But, it is the stat you, we know how it goes.”

 

Michael Peyrefitte

“I the tell you what I believe. Who pay people.”

 

Paul Lopez

“Mr. Wade got up moments ago and he complains bitterly.”

 

Michael Peyrefitte

“Sir, you are a journalist, before you get up and day people pay people you need to have proof of that. It is a serious, you cannot throw out a broad statement like that, because doing that is a criminal offense and if you accuse anybody of doing that, you are guilty of being liable.”

 

Paul Lopez

“I don’t have to pay you, but there are grants, expectations.”

Michael Peyrefitte

“There are no expectations. The only expectation that people have of the UDP is better government and better lives for the Belizean people. That is all we are offering.”