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Hon. Patrick Faber, Minister of Education
"From what I've been hearing apparently we had a very good process and I wish to point out that this entire process in fact was conceived, delivered by the young people. I want to salute the Department of Youth Services because what they've done is phenomenal and it is because if proper planning. So some years ago we decided we are going to put together the policy, we are going to put together the registration process where groups can register and be a part of the activities and we are going to empower the young people so that they themselves can take the lead in terms of youth work in this country and I will tell you, I have been absolutely bubbling over with pleasure to see how the young people themselves have taken this opportunity given to them by the government and how they've been able to run with it. It is phenomenal. I know that it is not going to be a perfect road, that there are going to be hiccups. In fact you see that we have a tie here in the Belize District for the presidency. I am told that there will be a bi-election in that regard and there was a tie at one of the other posts out district as well. But this is solely their initiatives. They are being guided by the department and of course by those who are trained in youth work from the region. We are grateful for that assistance, but I am ecstatic that the young people themselves are leading that charge."

Although the central vision for this National Youth Council is to empower young people - isn't this process tainted by political meddling on the part of the aspirants themselves? Faber spoke on the political background of two of the Belize district aspirants but told us that in the end it's all about who can promote and advance youth work and involvement.

Hon. Patrick Faber, Minister of Education
"I was asked in fact for my advice when it was they were putting together how the elections would be carried and in fact there were one point they were saying that they were suggesting that they would not have political youth movements be a part of the elections. Because of course they feared political interference and my advice to them which they heeded was not exclude anybody. If you are working with youth in this country whether you be red, whether you be blue, whether you be Christian or non-Christian - whatever the case is. If you are advocating positive values and you are working with the young people, include them. So it is kind of funny that we've landed in this situation. In fact I believe both of these candidates are aligned to a political party; Micah with the PUPs youth arm BYM and Stafin with the UDPs Youth Popular front and I will tell you now that I have no difficulty. In fact I've gone on the record saying about Micah when he in fact contested me that I believe he has a positive attributes. Stafin of course is second to nobody. I will tell you that and I believe that either one of them and better yet, if both of them can find a way to work together, regardless of whoever holds the official position it will be a greater day for us here in Belize."