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UDP Was Buff in Belize City
posted (February 21, 2018)
And in the afternoon, the UDP rolled out from about 1:00. Supporters had been gathering from midday - and with rain clouds looming - they were eager to get on the road.

Still, they didn't beat the rain - but - as we saw - it was the kind of street party where even rain couldn't dampen their spirits. Jules Vasquez was there as they made their way to the CB Hyde building:

Jules Vasquez reporting
The UDP City Council slate walked the street today as if they owned it. To be fair, they did at least pave it. And the now trademark UDP largesse was on full display this afternoon, with the crowd combustion, the political percussion, and the antics. So much noise that even nearby schoolchildren had to leave their classroom to come and see. For the Pickstock area rep, it was a contagious and the red tide overtook Mahogany Street. Party Leader Dean Barrow joined his mayoral candidate for the final stretch. And in the long view, it was like a carnival road march with supporters scattered and splintered - mostly by a downpour that fell in the middle of the procession. The flag hoisted over Mahogany wanted to communicate dominance and on the street, the crowd did the same.

Jules Vasquez- Reporter
"What do you think of the crowd? What is the significance of the crowd? By all estimates, you had more than the PUP this morning but as the PUP leader said, they just came off a national convention of 15 thousand plus, so they don't need to flex. They just showed their muscle in the city the other day. That is what he said."

Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow - UDP Party Leader
"We aren't going to get into the fact that it wasn't even 15 thousand. I don't know how that helps. First of all, it was quite clear to us that the majority of the people brought in by the PUP for their national convention came in from the villages, came from the rural areas. This morning in Belize City it was very much about the optics, very much about the display, very much about flexing and I am afraid that the leader of the opposition and the PUP were duds this morning."

Jules Vasquez
"How much a function of this is, again, the UDP's largess as a party. The UDP has more money than the PUP."

Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow
"But I thought it was agreed, I thought it was common knowledge that the PUP is very much in funds these days. There is no question of any money disparity. They are in funds, they are able if only they had the support, to do as much as we can but the truth is they do not have the support."

Hon. Michael Finnegan - Area Rep, Mesopotamia
"You can see it, it is plain and clear, in Belize City: Dean Barrow in Queen Square, Michael Finnegan in Mesopotamia, Patrick Faber in Collet, Boots Martinez in Port Loyola, Tracy Panton in Albert Division and Wilfred Elrington in Pickstock and that is the election."

Jules Vasquez
"But sir, you are putting yourself in the middle, a cow doesn't belong in a horse's gallop. You are not running. How will you put yourself in this?"

Hon. Michael Finnegan
"They drew me in it. They say I have no street or grass root control anymore. So I had to get off the horses and get involved. My party needs to be rescued and here I am. I am on a mission. I am leaving and this is my last election and I need to deliver this country or this city."

Hon. Anthony "Boots" Martinez - Area Rep, Port Loyola
"What I can guarantee you this time is that we will win larger than what we won the last city council election and that is over 6 thousand votes, and I guarantee you that."

Jules Vasquez
"The numbers show city council got 65% support for UDP when you weren't running when you were running the UDP only get 48%."

Hon. Anthony "Boots" Martinez
"If New York was in Big Bridge all of us would be there every day if it is just a good conjunction."

And while the UDP area reps were beating their chests - the election really is about these guys, the city council candidates.

Dion Leslie- UDP Mayoral Aspirant
"It is a humbling time. I've been nominated three other times but when you are the captain of the ship there is a different responsibility and weight that is on your shoulders but I am up for the challenge. I'm excited to take on this challenge and I'm excited to go forth in this new chapter of my life so to speak."

Dorene Martinez- first time councillor candidate
"Well, I feel a little nervous, excited and I'm feeling like a winner."

Judith Enriquez- first time councillor candidate
"It feels very happy to know that my name is on the ballot and I am very much looking forward to being a success story here in Belize City."

Jules Vasquez
"You know that elections are 50/50. You could win or you could lose. How are you suring up your personal strength in the event that you do lose?"

Judith Enriquez
"As I say, I am in it if I win or lose but I know I will win."

Dean Samuel- seeking fifth term
"Jules, it is amazing. Every time is like the first time, my brother. Each time you watch the love you get from people for me that is always amazing the way how Belizeans actually come out and man that street and walk in that parade and give you mad love. So, for me it is humbling, my brother. So for me, it is always a thrill. And I like to walk the parade enjoy the parade."

Jules Vasquez
"Has the fatigue set in? I mean, five terms?"

Dean Samuels
"Superman, Jules."

Jules Vasquez
"People fatigue."

Dean Samuels
"I don't think so."

Jules Vasquez
"They are tired of seeing your face."

[Everyone Laughs]

Dean Samuels
"No, they vex when I don't come around. They are vexed because Phillip Willoughby or Dean Samuels: we haven't seen you or how you haven't reached yet or that kind of love you get on the campaign trail."

Jules Vasquez
"What's your real feeling, just be honest for a little while, what's your real feeling when you are out there? People fatigue."

Dean Samuels
"Jules, I'm going, to be honest with you and I think people fear because when a government is in so long the only way can go is down, you know what I mean; eventually. But I agree and say, you know what happened, if the council, basically if we falter on the level and say we are slipping back, no I think we are making progress."

Moving forward - with the collective strength of 6 area representatives in the city.

The UDP had upwards of 2,000 supporters on the ground - again trebling the PUP.

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