So, how do Gaspar Vega's colleagues feel about his unexpected exit? Over the weekend we spoke to Manuel Heredia Jr, who has a history of opposing Vega, once when Vega ran for deputy, and twice when he supported political opponent of Pablo Marin, who was backed by Vega. But when we spoke to Heredia about Vega he showed sympathy for his political colleague. He did concede that, like everyone else, he was surprised by Vega's departure.
Hon. Manuel Heredia Jr., Minister of Tourism
"To me yes, because I know we are united and so, but again, I respect Mr. Vega's decision. It was a shock because I didn't expect anything to happen soon until probably when it is time to elect another leader."
Reporter
"Are you sugesting that this unity is on the horizon?"
Hon. Manuel Heredia Jr., Minister of Tourism
"Not really, because If I decide for some reason it can be health wise, it can be because family wise and so. We have a right to decide what to do with our lives and our future."
Emanuel Pech
"Do you see it as a betrayal to the UDP, since he was so good in his jurisdiction? He brought 5 of 8 seats in Orange Walk."
Hon. Manuel Heredia Jr., Minister of Tourism
"I don't think it's a betrayal. Like is said, he has served 3 terms already and I believe he feels that he have his own personal business. He feels that probably it's time to go in is private business. I will accept and I will be supporting him in whatever he does. We are a team and as a team whatever decision each person reach, we have to respect it."
And as with all these high level changes within the political tide, there are several rumors that start cropping up. One of them is that Vega is leading the UDP version of a G7 to exact revenge on the leadership that stripped him of his Ministerial powers. We asked Heredia about this.
Hon. Manuel Heredia Jr., Minister of Tourism
"Let me tell you something, that will never happen with the UDP. Not this party under the leadership of the Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow. That G1, G2 or G3 will never ever happen."
Reporter
"Do you hear anything about that?"
Hon. Manuel Heredia Jr., Minister of Tourism
"I have not heard and it will never happen."
Of course the internal dynamics within the UDP are now swirling and the race for first deputy got a lot more complicated when Erwin Contreras made it official that he is interested in the first deputy post. As the second deputy with more than a decade in that post he has seniority. More than that he is mestizo so it would preserve the racial balance in the leadership tandem. But whether his appearance will be enough to make Patrick Faber and John Saldivar stand down and save the party a bloodbath is left to be seen.
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