Dr. Zab and Cyril Uruwei to go Head-to-head on March 12th

In the vibrant political landscape of Dangriga, the upcoming general elections are set to be a closely watched contest between two prominent figures. Dr. Louis Zabaneh, the incumbent area representative and a member of the People’s United Party, brings a wealth of experience and a track record of educational and economic initiatives to his campaign. Opposing him is Cyril “Uruwei” Garcia, an independent candidate whose grassroots approach and call for change have resonated with many voters. Garcia’s decision to run independently followed his rejection by the PUP, fueling his determination to offer new ideas and a fresh perspective for the people of Dangriga. As the election draws near, both candidates are gearing up for a spirited battle to win the hearts and minds of their constituents. In our ongoing campaign trail coverage, we look at Dangriga.  Here’s News Five’s Isani Cayetano

 

Isani Cayetano, Reporting

In mid-June 2024, Cyril Garcia faced a major letdown when the People’s United Party turned him down. He wasn’t just upset about missing the chance to challenge the current area representative at a political convention; he also felt that the party’s open call for candidates was insincere.

 

Cyril “Uruwei” Garcia, Independent Candidate, Dangriga

“I was rejected when I applied.   I was given no valid reason, and while I was given no valid reason, I was asked to support a man who I have publicly said that I don’t see this man do anything.  I have no admiration for the individual and you will come and ask me to support this individual.  That’s a slap in the face, it’s very disrespectful if you ask me.”

 

That person is Dr. Louis Zabaneh. He rode the wave of the PUP’s Blue Tsunami in November 2020 to become the area representative for Dangriga. Since then, Dr. Zab has been hard at work, addressing the needs of his constituents in the town and the nearby communities of Hope Creek and Sarawee.

 

Dr. Louis Zabaneh, Area Representative, Dangriga

“We’ve been able to do quite a bit with scholarships for education, with land for first-time homeowners, with jobs, in particular.  We were able to attract Ready Call Center to Dangriga.  We did quite a bit, the Commerce Bight port is now reopening, [and] we now have a beautiful multipurpose park that has started already, a number of things.  Yes, so in that sense I feel we’ve done quite a bit.”

 

But is it enough? That’s the question his political opponent is raising. It’s been over four years since Zabaneh took office as the area representative, but Garcia remains unconvinced that significant progress has been made.

 

Cyril Garcia

“There are so many people out there in Dangriga, Sarawee and Hope Creek who just want better.  People are starting to see and understand that the same old, same old UDP/PUDP thing is not working, is not cutting it.  It’s obvious, it’s evident that they have been waiting for something new, something fresh and I believe I can fill that space.”

 

As the Minister of State in the Ministry of Education, Culture, Science, and Technology, Dr. Louis Zabaneh has played a key role in pushing forward educational and economic projects in his constituency. His strong academic background highlights his dedication to sustainable development and effective leadership. As a member of the PUP, Dr. Zabaneh remains committed to policies that enhance the lives of his constituents and promote growth in Dangriga.

 

Dr. Louis Zabaneh

“Infrastructure, for example, roads, drains are another big area that we have to put in a lot of work. That’s part of the manifesto going forward.  So, while we’ve accomplished a lot, as I said, there’s a lot more that we would be working on once the people give us that opportunity. In a sense, I feel fortunate to have been out since May doing house-to-house visits, so it will not be a lot more area to cover now. So that’s one difference because I had prepared before.  The other one is that I see a lot more welcoming to homes.  This is something that was different from before, of course I was a newcomer then and so it took a little bit more of an introduction at that time.”

 

Garcia challenges Zabaneh’s power as a voter in his own constituency.

 

Cyril Garcia

“In Dangriga, we had an area rep who doesn’t live among us. He doesn’t live among us, he doesn’t understand our plight.  We have an area rep, I’m not sure, I think, I’m learning now that he just got registered to vote or transferred to Dangriga in the second half of last year.  He wasn’t able to vote for himself in his own constituency, he wasn’t able to vote for his councilors, he wasn’t able to vote for his mayor which is rallying behind him heavily.  I don’t even know what to say about that.”

 

Despite facing sharp criticism, Zabaneh admits that education is the key to empowering his constituents.

 

Dr. Louis Zabaneh

“We have to be very innovative in how we work with limited resources.  I think that has been the biggest challenged because people have genuine needs and sometimes it’s heartbreaking when you can’t do everything that they ask you for.  And so, what we’ve focused on is to see how we can empower our people through training like at ITVET.”

 

So, what unique qualities and ideas does Cyril Uruwei offer as an independent candidate?

 

Cyril Garcia

“I intend to be inclusive. People are crying out, no opportunities.  I mean, we’re just. We’re not properly represented. Now, as to what I am going to do. All that I am, all that I have, I plan to give to my town, to Sarawee, to Hope Creek and represent them.  Should they elect me to represent them, I’ll do exactly what they elect me to do, to speak and act on their behalf.”

 

Isani Cayetano for News Five.