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Daniel Ortiz reporting
On Saturday Night at the Community football field in Duck Run 2, the mostly Hispanic residents of that village and all the surrounding areas gathered for a public meeting called by Prime Minister Dean Barrow and the UDP.

The villagers filed in, waiting patiently for his arrival. His deputies got there first, ready to flank him at a moment's notice.

And when the Prime Minister arrived at his third public meeting for the day, he was in full political mode, meeting and greeting Duck Run 2 villagers - who'd never had this Prime Minister visit them before.

UDP's Rene Montero, explained the purpose of the night's appearance.

Hon. Rene Montero -UDP Area Rep. Cayo Central
"I'm here to preserve our democracy, and to remain focused. We do it not for the love of Penner, but for the love our country and the love of our party because we need to maintain and to remain in Government. We can only do so if we as a party unite behind Mr. Penner and ensure that we remain in power."

An important goal for the UDP, and they are willing to risk being labeled as protecting current Area Representative Elvin Penner, despite his questionable involvement in the Citizen Kim scandal.

Hon. Mark King - Area Rep., Lake Independence
"That could be one scenario, however, that's a risk that we're willing to take because we are not about to let the people lose the vision United Democratic Party, that we are out here for the people of Belize and a bigger cause."

And so, the speakers made presentations to those gathered in Spanish, so that they understand the importance of their continued support. The Collet Division Area Rep., however, apologized for only being able to address them in English; he was frank.

Hon. Patrick Faber - Area Rep. Collet Division
"And what some will want you to do tonight; what some will want you to feel today, is that you should be ashamed of the United Democratic Party. That you should hold your head down, and that you should not proudly proclaim yourselves to be a member of our great party. Well, let me tell you something. One man may have made a mistake or done something out of the way, but that does not change the fact that the United Democratic Party has a record, and has a standard of honesty and integrity. That is what is on the line here. When you voted in 2008, and then again in 2012, yes you voted for Elvin Penner, but you voted for Elvin Penner because he belongs to the United Democratic Party, the only party that can boast honesty and integrity in the manner that we need in this country. You know that you wish to keep the United Democratic Party in Government. Am I correct? And so, you know that you need to do whatever it takes to keep the United Democratic Party in Government. And at this current time, my friends, what is required is for you not to sign that petition of recall."

It was then on to the main address, where the Prime Minister displayed his bilingual skills, jumping back and forth between both languages.

Prime Minister Dean Barrow - Party Leader, UDP
"If you will permit me, I will explain in English. We are here for one basic reason, and it is to ask you the villagers of Duck Run 1, Duck Run 2, Duck Run 3, Los Tambos, Billy White, and Spanish Lookout to continue to support the United Democratic Party, so that we in turn can bring to you the progress that is long overdue and that is your just desserts."

He then addressed the issue squarely:

Prime Minister Dean Barrow
"This unfortunate incident has happened, and Hon. Elvin Penner, who is the representative of the Cayo Northeast constituency, for the United Democratic Party, in the House of Representatives, in the National Assembly, has had to leave the Cabinet. Now, what I ask you to understand this evening, is that as we go forward, the struggle and the battle is not going to be principally about Elvin Penner. The struggle and the battle will be principally about the United Democratic Party, and the National Government of this country."

The Prime Minister also explained why he is has made an appearance and not Penner.

Prime Minister Dean Barrow
"Notice that Elvin Penner is not here tonight. He's in Guatemala. He's sick; he's not well; he's under pressure, but the point is that even without Elvin Penner, the leaders of the United Democratic Party are here with you in this village, and the struggle continues. With or without Elvin Penner, the United Democratic Party will continue to be the party that represents the people of the Cayo Northeast Division. The stakes right now are high. The People's United Party is trying to recall Elvin Penner. Whether it is Elvin, or whether it is somebody else that's going to be the new candidate of the United Democratic Party, we will win any election that is called any time soon in this constituency of Cayo Northeast. The United Democratic Party will hold on to the seat."

He also attempted to convince Cayo Northeast as to why recalling Penner, and choosing PUP's Orlando Habet is symbolic, but ineffective for the progress of their development.

Prime Minister Dean Barrow
"I have spoken to the members of the Village Council, and I have told them that the work will begin immediately. There are some culverts that need replacing. The money was sent from the Ministry of Finance on Thursday to the Ministry of Works. You will choose your contractors, and those culverts will be replaced starting over this long weekend. The members of the Village Council told me that there is a need for a new school. Ladies and gentlemen, I solemnly promise to you tonight that the United Democratic Party Government will build you that new school. We have in our coffers millions and millions of dollars, and even before this saga with Elvin Penner started; I announced to the nation that we would be funding a program of infrastructural works countrywide that would amount to a grand total of just under 100 million dollars."

According to the Prime Minister given the urgency of the situation, Cayo Northeast's development becomes highest priority.

Prime Minister Dean Barrow
"There was already a program of development targeted at the Cayo Northeast Constituency, but in the circumstances, the Cayo Northeast Constituency must move to the head of the cue, to the front of the line. And I know that the media is here tonight, and I want them to report what it is I am saying. The kind of spending that you will now begin to see by this Government in the Cayo Northeast Constituency is the kind of spending that nowhere in this country has ever been seen before. If you want to see that kind of progress come to this community, come to the surrounding villages, and come to the whole of the Cayo Northeast Constituency, you will do whatever it takes to ensure that the United Democratic Party holds on to that seat in the House of Representatives."

So what happens if the PUP is successful? Well, if those incentives weren't enough to convince Cayo Northeast, according to Barrow, his government will able to move on.

Prime Minister Dean Barrow
"The UDP will still remain the Government, you know. So, we'd go down from 17-14, to 16-15. I can't add very well, but it sounds to me like that are still a majority, and all over the world, you know, in parliamentary processes such as ours, governments operate and operate effectively with a 1-seat majority."

And after presenting all those incentives, the Barrow descended once again for a second session of glad - handing with the residents of Duck Run 2, who took the rare opportunity to address him in person.

After 2 and half hours in the village, the Prime Minister told us about his impression of the meeting.

Prime Minister Dean Barrow
"I think very well received, and the Committee has been doing some preparatory work so, I think it was a successful meeting."