And here's why he isn't happy about the challenge: Usher went into Port Loyola in 2011 when his UDP Opponent Anthony Boots Martinez was at the height of his powers - and gradually built up support, coming within 71 votes of beating him in the 2015 General Election. And, in the 2018 Municipal Election, the PUP candidates won that area for the first time in more than a decade - taking about 20 percentage points off the UDP's turnout in the Municipal Election just three years earlier.

And while that should have solidified Usher's stronghold as the Standard Bearer, it also gave rise to Dr. Pitts, who is from Port Loyola and campaigned most heavily there. She's launched her candidacy with a savvy social media campaign where she recently posted: "people do not inherit leaders nor are these leaders imposed on them. The people choose whom they want to represent them....If candidates are so very sure of their constituencies, then they should go in a convention and win....If candidates have been doing the work they claimed, then they should not be stalking their competitors, trying to intimidate nor bully them, or offering bribes....Belizeans do not need anymore bullies for leaders." End quote.

For his part Usher put out a release today saying he has been using his own money to undertake a steady stream of projects in Port. In a press release, he adds, quote, "on March 7, 2018 with the support of the people I led PUP to victory in the area for the first time in 15 years. The stage is now set for a PUP victory in Port in the next general election. I led the fight to put Port in the winning column for PUP, and I am fully prepared to lead the division to a PUP victory in the next general election for the benefit of all its residents."

Within the wider power balance of the PUP - it's not a minor event - since Usher supported John Briceno for leader at the last national convention - and, as such, expected protection from a challenge in return.