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.