But that is only one part of the Saldivar story. The other part is his reconciliation with his party - even if it is a party that appears to not want him anymore. For Saldivar, the two issues, Coye and the PUP are joined, part of one big act of public contrition - the type rarely seen from big, blustery politicians. Tonight we look back at how Arthur Saldivar gave his most human interview yet:..
Courtney Weatherburne reporting
When Arthur Saldivar strode confidently out of PUP Headquarters last week Wednesday, he then gave us this glib interview, replete with his trademark bluster - so how did he turn to this only two days later, brooding, melancholic, stifling tears?
He says it was, first, the lawsuit brought against him by Melonie Coye:
Arthur Saldivar, Former PUP Candidate
"I certainly had no idea that this would have gone this far in relation to the client that I've served, so I certainly didn't expect this to happen the way it has."
And, Saldivar said, the lawsuit alone is enough to make him stand down:
Arthur Saldivar, Former PUP Candidate
"I know the truth and I know she does too, but while in that position I am asking all my supporters and my executive, PUP executive, the Belize Rural North to stand down."
But, he was also wistful about George Price:
Arthur Saldivar, Former PUP Candidate
"All I ever wanted to do in my life from the time I was 7 years old, after meeting George Price after I was playing in the drain was do what he told me I would do, that I will help build and develop this country. If I stayed true and got my education and I did that."
He did that, but that still earned him few friends in the PUP - reportedly only 5 of 30 persons at the national executive meeting voted in his favour:
Arthur Saldivar, Former PUP Candidate
"I thank those who stood up for me. I aim to make them proud of me and proud of their position. I also want to have those who did not support me there to appreciate that I forgive them. I don't hold any malice towards them and I will not do anything to harm the party's chances."
But, at the same time, he left the door open, ever so slightly:
Arthur Saldivar, Former PUP Candidate
"I don't know what the future holds. I am still here to serve and I remain ready to serve if ever I am called. Ultimately the party exists to serve the people. If it is the will and wish of the people to have me serve, I will serve."
The PUP has not given any indication as yet about its new candidate in Belize Rural North. Whoever it is, they have their work cut out for them. The division comprises more than 25 villages and it spans the northeastern reaches of the Belize District at Bomba to the southwest corner at St. Paul's Bank.
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