Major Parties, Third Party and Independent Candidates Out West

Returning to our Nomination Day coverage, we head west to the twin towns of San Ignacio and Santa Elena, as well as Benque Viejo del Carmen. These towns are divided into four constituencies. Both the People’s United Party and the United Democratic Party have candidates running in each constituency. Additionally, there are third-party and independent candidates in most areas. News Five’s Paul Lopez has the details.

 

Paul Lopez, Reporting

At ten a.m. this morning In Cayo North, People’s United Party Candidate, Michel “Micho” Chebat showed up to be nominated inside the San Ignacio Magistrates Court which much fanfare.  He was backed by a large following of supporters and a live performance by Supa G.

 

Michel “Micho” Chebat, P.U.P Candidate, Cayo North

“This is a confirmation of the work we have been doing and an appreciation of the people of Cayo North. They have seen the work we have done over the last few years. And they are out here in number to express that support. And so we are humbled and grateful to them.”

 

Paul Lopez

“I see you moving around greeting people, let us talk about what people are saying to you right now.”

 

Michel “Micho” Chebat

“We have done a lot, but there is so much more to be done. We have given out over four hundred and fifty lots here in Cayo North. There are many people out here who still want lots. So the work continues. We have given out about twenty starter homes. But, more people want homes. You know, when somebody gets a home you are giving them a shelter. It is not just a home , you are empowering them. So we hope that in this second term we can give more homes to people. I can tell you and I don’t want to preempt our prime minister, but one of the things coming for us is that Sacred Heart College, High School will be absolutely free coming September.”

 

At midday, third party candidates showed up at the various nomination stations to declare their candidacy. The Belize Justice Movement is fielding two candidates in the Cayo constituencies. They are the party’s leader, Roody Wade who is contesting the Cayo Central division and Leroy Lisbey who is running in the Cayo North division. They arrived at the nomination station with only a handful of supporters, mainly nominators.

 

At two p.m., the United Democratic Party candidates took to the streets of the Twin Town. In Santa Elena Town, Mark Obrien is contesting the Cayo Central seat.

 

In Cayo North, Omar Figueroa is seeking to regain his title as the U.D.P Area Representative. He suffered defeat in 2020 at the hands of Chebat, but says things are different this time around. He arrived at the nomination station with a gathering of energized supporters. Reporting For News Five, I am Paul Lopez