From there, our news team went north for the UDP Nominations in Corozal Town. This location will become a battle ground for both parties in the upcoming municipal elections.
That's because the UDP has held onto this Town for 12 years, since 2006, when outgoing Mayor Hilberto Campos got elected. It was considered a sure win for the UDP, but this time around, Campos will not offer himself for a 5th term in office.
So, suddenly, that municipality is in play, and the UDP has to hold on to it, and prevent the PUP from snatching it from their grip.
Our news team got a chance to meet the UDP slate who's been entrusted with that responsibility, and Daniel Ortiz has that story:
Daniel Ortiz reporting
This afternoon, the UDP Corozal 7 got their chance to take over the northernmost town but for a municipality has been a sure thing for the ruling UDP, their crowd of supporters appeared smaller than the PUP's morning demonstration. We counted about 270 participants in their short march to the Nomination area. But the outgoing Mayor, who's served for 12 years and 4 terms in office, is not worried. He told us that he's leaving Corozal to newcomer Richard Quan.
Hilberto Campos - Outgoing Mayor, Corozal Town
"I'm not putting my party in a position of vulnerability. I am a hundred percent sure and today after this crowd came out for this nomination, I am a hundred percent sure that a UDP town council will return to govern the affairs of Corozal in the leadership of Richard Quan. As to why, I have served four terms, I am full of energy, I could have continued serving more but it always good to renew the ideas and I have a hundred percent confidence in Richard Quan. One of the keys to my success as getting reelected three consecutive times, serving four terms in office as mayor, is to become a people's person and Richard Quan is a people's person. He is always available to the public. Richard Quan is not a newcomer to the community service. Richard Quan has been working for the town council for the last 8 or 9 years"
And Quan also has the backing of Corozal Bay Representative Pablo Marin. He told us today that when Quan expressed interest in running for mayor, he was more than willing to offer encouragement.
Hon. Pablo Marin
"From the first time Richard Quan mentioned about running, it was with me and I said you have my full support and I started talking to my executive members that we will support Richard Quan. So whoever had challenged him, I had already said you know what this is the guy that I know can continue the work that mayor Gilberto Campos has done."
But, while this is Quan's first bid for Mayoral Office, he's no stranger to the municipal government. We're told that he served as traffic manager for Corozal Town for 8 years, and his father is also a former Mayor of Corozal. He says that he's ready to take on the post that Mayor Campos is vacating.
Richard Juan - Mayoral Candidate, Corozal Town
"It is a big shoe to fill but remember that I have big feet and a big heart and once I am determined to work and hard work will pay off. The parade that they had this morning, they brought in 9 buses. If you noticed here we are corozaleneos and voters of this town council. With that said, I think the people have already seen that and I think on the 7th of March we will elect another UDP town council. Like father like son. My father was a very hard working mayor of Corozal town and on the 7th of March, the people will elect me, as the son, for Corozal town. There is not a close race in this. My opponent is always seen from Corozal but he disappeared from Corozal for the last 25 years and he just came back. I am from Corozal town and like I said my father is from Corozal town. My father was the mayor and I will be next mayor for Corozal town."
And he has a slate of newcomers who are excited at the prospect of winning the upcoming election.
Carlos Acosta Sr. - Councillor Candidate, Corozal
"The four terms that the UDP has been in power, we have proved and showed to the town that things are happening in our town. The market, the streets, the bay, the electrification, the educational program, that must continue for our town and more to come."
Benjamin Acosta - Councillor Candidate, Corozal
"I believe that the people of Corozal want to continue seeing much difference in what has been begun by the previous administration. Therefore, we as a new slate can bring new vision, better innovation and mature ideas which is important for this Corozal and a lot needs to be done for Corozal."
We'll have a look at the PUP Corozal's Nomination showing in tomorrow's newscast, as well as the UDP's crowd in Orange Walk.
Email
Print