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We told you about it last night, and today, the UDP made it official: Dr. Carla Barnett is the party's new candidate in the Freetown Division. The 56 year old who grew up in the Freetown Division as a policeman's daughter, is one of the most qualified persons in public life. She holds a Masters degree in economics and a Ph. D in social science; she's served as the Deputy Secretary General of CARICOM and the Vice President of the Caribbean Development Bank – and that's only the start of a long list of senior postings and accomplishments. Indeed, an impressive resume – but all that doesn't count for much out on the streets where voters want a candidate who delivers goofs, services and, yes, political patronage. So how will Carla Barnett, the academic and administrator navigate that taxing and treacherous environment – and, moreover, how will she do it against the leader of the opposition? We had the tough questions for her today at a press conference to launch her candidacy. It was held at the UDP Headquarters in Belize city with an unusual level of hype and fanfare – we were there to find out why:….

Dr. Carla Barnett - Candidate-in-waiting – UDP Freetown

"I am offering my experience and my knowledge to help the people of the Freetown constituency. I plan to get deep inside the Freetown constituency."

Hon Dean Barrow - Prime Minister

"To have Dr. Carla Barnett commit now to becoming involved in electoral politics and under the banner of the UDP, is indeed for us a wonderfully energising accomplishment. It is very rare that somebody like Dr. Barnett, who is this brilliant professional, brilliant academic, who's record is so outstanding; It's rare you find somebody like that being prepared to actually get into the rough and tumble world of politics. In CARICOM, Dr. Carla Barnett of Belize, is one of the most touring figures."

Dr. Carla Barnett

"I have worked for government for regional institutions but the work I ready enjoy the most is the work that allows me to work directly with people in their communities."

Jules Vasquez

"Public service is the least of it in politics. Often times you're a human service officer, for ever need people have and you need to solve those problems. What makes you think that your previous life in public administration would equip you for the hurly burly and the grind of politics?"

Dr. Carla Barnett

"Hurly burly, I am no stranger to hurly burly. I've had to work in my public life under conditions that have been difficult and demanding to say the least. Politics is new but others have done it; There is nothing special about me that will make me unable to work with people and to help people solve their problems; That's what we're here to do. It's not going to be easy, nobody is pretending that it's going to be easy but it will require stead fastness, it will require hard work and consistency. Those are things I do very well."

Julez Vasquez

"Have you ever worked in a campaign, have you ever been involved in any election cycle for any candidate?"

Dr. Carla Barnett

"Julez, you know I can't answer that question. I have contributed to work. I haven't worked the streets to speak, so if that's what you're asking me, no I haven't done that."

Julez Vasquez

"Do you have any realistic; The reason there's a vacuum in Freetown is because nobody wants to run against Francis Fonseca and the chance of losing is high; Because beating the leader of the opposition, especially when they're in a position is extremely hard to do, it's never been done while the leaders in a position. So then, my question is, do you have any realistic hope or this is you are taking one for the team. It's very cynical but I must ask."

Dr. Carla Barnett

"Julez, I don't think I'm known as somebody who set out to waste time. I believe that there is a strong possibility of winning that seat with support and with hard work. Yes, there's a vacuum in Freetown but the vacuum is on both sides if I can be blunt. Statistically speaking, the seat was relatively marginal in the last 2 elections, relatively marginal. That suggest to me, that there is indeed every possibility of taking that seat."

Julez Vasquez

"Are you able to marshal the type of resources which a leader of the opposition would have at his disposal. At the end of the day, again, this will be a part of the learning curve I imagine but, politics is a money game; And unfortunately historic analogy needs be made that they prime minister has in the past recruited excellent females to offer themselves for office. I see one here Ms. Marilyn Williams and I think in that same election Ms.Diane Haylock, who regrettably unfortunate distinction of coming in third. I'm saying that the prime minister, the 2 candidates he recruited before, in 2003, one for 15% and one got 17% of the vote; Which are 2 of the most dismal performances in UPD's history, how does that place you?"

Dr. Carla Barnett

"Julez, this is 2015. A lot has happened, things have changed significantly."

Hon. Dean Barrow

"All of us in this party, are prepared to work extra hard. Are prepared to go above and beyond the call of duty in ensuring a successful Freetown candidacy for Dr. Carla Barnett."

The UDP has not had an elected female representative since Faith Babb – who served from 1993 to 1998.

PUP Leader Francis Fonseca captured 52% of the vote in Freetown in the last general election – beating Lee Mark Chang by 150 votes. Chang has thrown his full support behind Barnett and was very visible at today's event.

And…correction to one question that Jules had for Dr. Barnett: a leader of the opposition has been beaten while in opposition: it happened to the UDP Leader Dean Lindo in 1979 – when he was defeated in Fort George by Said Musa who secured his first term in the House with the upset.