Shyne is Circumspect on U.D.P. in Toledo East

The United Democratic Party is wasting no time in putting forward a suitable candidate to contest the upcoming bye-election in Toledo East.  Over the weekend, Party Leader Shyne Barrow traveled south to Punta Gorda where he met with former area representative Eden Martinez and U.D.P. mayoral candidate Franklin ‘Kranka’ Polonio, to endorse Dennis Williams’ candidacy for area representative.  When we caught up with Barrow at Independence Plaza, he did not respond to our questions about the U.D.P.’s move in Toledo East, but instead kept his remarks on the late Mike Espat.

 

Isani Cayetano

“Let’s talk about the developments in Toledo East, I know you guys have essentially hit the ground running, in terms of trying to get a candidate to prepare for the upcoming bye-elections?”

 

Shyne Barrow, Leader of the Opposition

“How do you know that?  Wow, you have great sources.  But I have to be honest with you, today is about the honorable Mike Espat and so, I, out of respect for his family and his legacy and the grieving and mourning period, and the celebration period, for me, I look at the transition from this life to the after different than a lot of people in a way that I celebrate those that journey on.  And so, I think, right now I‘m only interested in talking about what the honorable member from Toledo East meant to me and meant to the people of Toledo East, the people of Belize, et cetera, not interested in talking about what our plans are for that bye-election, out of respect for the honorable member for Toledo East.”

 

Isani Cayetano

“In ninety days, nonetheless, it is expected that a date will be called for there to be a bye-election.  It goes without saying that you guys are preparing, ahead of this process.”

 

Shyne Barrow

“As I said, Mike Espat was the gentle giant, Iron Mike, and what I mentioned in there is that he was so tenacious and indomitable because they talk about him winning six times but they don‘t talk about the times that he lost and, to me, that is what is most impressive because everyone loves a winner but when you lose, it is extremely difficult to overcome the insecurities, the self doubt, the detractors, the naysayers.  And Mike was able to do that and go on to build the storied career, political career that he did and to me that is what I take from him.”