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George Price to Endorse Francis Fonseca for PUP Leader
posted (February 18, 2008)

The race for PUP leadership continues to take shape and the farther along we go, the more interesting it gets. As we have told you, three men have expressed interest in the job: the PUP’s number one vote getter in the general election Mark Espat, Deputy Leader John Briceno and Chairman Francis Fonseca.

On Friday we told you that former Senator and Belmopan Mayor Anthony Chanona has endorsed Mark Espat. Well now, reports to us are that Fonseca will have an endorsement from George Price, the party’s leader emeritus. We’ve also told you about Espat’s and Cordel Hyde’s letter to Fonseca as Chairman. In that he asked that the number of delegates be expanded to make the convention process more representative, and that the list of delegates be finalized well in advance of the convention.

Well now, 7NEWS has confirmed that Deputy Leader Briceno has written to Fonseca to state that he supports Espat and Hyde in their requests. Briceno argues that the changes would put the party more in touch with its supporters. And more than that, he cautions Fonseca that, “if we do not heed the voices of the people – those people who have put us so soundly in opposition – the we will face the real risk of destroying the very party we have sworn to protect.” That’s strong talk and the days ahead should be even more interesting as we wait and see whether Briceno on one side and Espat and Hyde on the other will form an alliance.

Prospective candidates for leader have until Friday to submit their names.

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