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Former PUP Mayoral Candidate Chacon Defects To UDP, Disses The Blue
posted (October 5, 2015)
Tonight there is a high profile defection from the PUP - and one that is making the UDP giddy with excitement. He is Jose Chacon - who ran as the PUP's Mayoral candidate in Belmopan 7 months ago. But now, Chacon says he is through with the PUP; he's resigned from the party and has thrown his support behind the UDP's John Saldivar. And for maximum effect - Chacon - who is also a reggaeton artist - was made to record a statement underscoring the reasons he left. He pointed to disillusionment with the party which he formerly embraced with such zeal:...

Jose Chacon, Former PUP Mayoral Candidate - Belmopan
"When I sought elected office to be the mayor of Belmopan under the PUP banner earlier this year, I sincerely thought that the PUP had changed. I have come to recognize the truth, that the PUP has not changed and that this PUP is the very same party with the very same leaders whom from 1998 to 2008, over saw the most corrupt government in Belize's history. But the more I saw of this PUP, the more I was exposed to its leaders, the quicker I came to realize that the PUP was only a vehicle for the enrichment and power of a few individuals. This PUP is the PUP of Fonseca and Musa. There is nothing about this PUP that reminds of what George Price was said to believe in. This PUP has not changed at all. And so I have decided to endorse and to support the Hon. John Saldivar and the UDP as they seek re-election in the upcoming general elections. I will campaign for Minister Saldivar and asked those who support me to support John in Belmopan."

For the PUP in Belmopan, it is a body blow - since the PUP Candidate in Belmopan Patrick Andrews fought for Chacon to win the contested mayoral convention. As a former village chairman of Las Flores, his influence with the immigrant communities was considered to be significant. Today Andrews' executive sent out a press release saying they regret Chacon's decision and attribute it to quote, "desperation and anxiety of the UDP area representative...to infiltrate and take advantage of those who are in dire financial need," end quote.

It continues, quote, "we hold no malice towards Chacon for this mercenary act," and then, concludes, bitterly, "the fate of political defectors is not easy; spurned and distrusted by their own communities and in turn treated with disrespect, contempt and disdain by those to whom they pledge sudden loyalty...we wish him well." END QUOTE.

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