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Major Lloyd Jones - PUP Standard Bearer, BRN
"On May 4th, I made one of the most important decisions of my life. I decided to get involved in partisan political politics. i offered myself as a standard bearer for the People's United Party in Belize Rural North. Like so many other Belizeans I have grown tired of a political system that promises hope, but delivers anguish. A political system that destroys rather than build. A political system that snatches away dreams rather than help us to fulfil them."

Hon Francis Fonseca - Leader of the Opposition
"Major, we welcome you. We are proud and honored to have you join our team 31. You are a good man. The people of Belize Rural North are getting to know you."

Major Lloyd Jones - PUP Standard Bearer, BRN
"I think it's just another part of the process. As you know on May 4th, I was officially announced as the candidate and this is just the next step in making it official. An official endorsement from the executive committee from Belize Rural North."

A month ago, however, Jones was one of the so called G-12. As is well known, they are a group of PUP politicians who are calling for a change and have told their leaders that they want an open National Convention where Party Leader Francis Fonseca can be challenged. Jones was initially allied with them, and that's something that not even the attendance of yesterday would allow to go unchallenged. They, like us, also observed that there were about 15 standard bearers, including, Johnny Briceno and Dan Silva, who were absent from this rally once again. Those supporters who stepped to the mic and spoke their mind, also challenged Jones to declare his current allegiance publicly. Here's how that exchange went:

PUP supporter
"My question to you Major, you have been endorsed today. I will ask you, you were a part of the G12, so I am asking you know, we have embraced you today. Would you stand firm for the people that you will be more sincere and true to this party?"

Major Lloyd Jones - PUP Standard Bearer, BRN
"Yes. I never went any way. I stand 100% behind Francis and Francis knows that very well. I don't have anywhere to go."

PUP supporter
"Rumors have it that some of you or maybe all of you are making your way for you to be endorsed or nominated and you will resign to put the PUP in a different situation."

Hon. Julius Espat - Deputy Leader, PUP
"It's a good point of view. It's one way of looking at things. I can tell you that the supporters of the People's United Party and the people of this country that are tired of this government are not happy that we are not together. That's a fact. I can tell you that for the People's United Party to be strong we need everybody on board. That's another fact and so we are doing everything possible for that to happen. But if at the end of the day, there are certain people that don't want to be with us, then we will have to move on on our own. That's another fact and so you can hope for the best, but you plan for the worse."

PUP supporter
"Major, you are soldier and no soldier quits. But you see that crowd who is acting up - we PUP don't hold malice with people, because we are love. Tell them to take off their G-string and put on boxers."

Major Lloyd Jones - PUP Standard Bearer, BRN
"We can't be worried about what the other standard bearers are doing if they choose to stay outside the fold. That is a decision for them."

At yesterday's endorsement convention, we didn't see the Major's political predecessor from Belize Rural North - namely Arthur Saldivar. And the last PUP to hold that seat, Max Samuels and his wife Salome have passed on. WE asked how that lack of continuity will affect his candidacy:

Daniel Ortiz
"We have to ask. Your political opponent has brought out the largest number of persons at his convention. Is this in some way to show abilities here in Rural North this Power to the People Tour, because it is expected that other standard bearers are bringing in persons from other constituencies and not only from Belize Rural North."

Major Lloyd Jones - PUP Standard Bearer, BRN
"I really don't engage in that type of politics. My interest and I have always maintained that my interest in politics is to offer my service to the Belizean people. It is entirely up to them whether or not they wish to accept that service. If they don't, that is fine. I moved on. But I am not really interested in the usual kind of politics at all. I think all of us are absolutely clear where that kind of politics has led us and unless we intend to change, we are going to continue to see more of the same. I am not concerned at all with how ever numbers the Hon. Edmund Castro brings out for his convention. If he has the money to pay the people to come out, then he can do that. But I am not interested in that at all. We are concerned with the issues and that is where I am going to focus my efforts."

Daniel Ortiz
"Arthur Saldivar is clear based on his actions that he will not assist you in your attempt to get elected here in this constituency. Do you suffer substantially from their absence in your political machinery?"

Major Lloyd Jones - PUP Standard Bearer, BRN
"In this kind of business, the more support you can get, the better. But you cannot sit back and not work because somebody decides they don't wish to get involved. Arthur Saldivar is always welcomed. As far as I know he is a member of the People's United Party. He is welcome to provide the support if he so choose. But whether he supports or not, we are going to deliver the division. It's as plain and simple as that my brother."

In one more bit of PUP backlash, former candidate Micah Goodin has struck again, advising his party in a stinging new facebook post, quote, "you are going to lose the next general election. If you are able to secure 10 seats you will have exceeded my expectations. You will lose because the people want a new package. That is why we haven't won even a marble contest in 12 years." He concludes, "if you cannot respect the constitution of your part, how will you ever respect the constitution of our country?"