Last night, UDP Port Loyola Representative Boots Martinez raised eyebrows all across Belize when he declared himself the King of Port Loyola. He did that in response to comments he says he heard UDP aspirant for Port Phillip Willoughby make. Willoughby allegedly told supporters that when he wins the divisional convention next month - government's goods and services will be funneled through him.
So, Martinez came out to make it clear he alone is the area rep until 2020 - and he controls the government resources in Port.
It's an ugly inter-party tussle - and today when we met up with Willoughby, it was clear he did not want to make it worse:...
Jules Vasquez - Reporter
"Are you saying that you will be running goods and services in Port Loyola after you win the convention, if you are to win?"
Phillip Willoughby- UDP Aspirant, Port Loyola
"I will respond like this and I leave everything else at that; I know only one king, he is the king of kings and lord of lords and god is at the center of my campaign. The people of Port are extremely intelligent, smart and cannot be bought. I believe my answer in its totality answered everything that you would ask."
Jules Vasquez
"It didn't. So, I am going to ask you again. Are you saying to people out here that, 'no worry about nothing, after I win November, I will handle you all because the government will make resources available to me as a UDP Standard Bearer.' Is that what you are telling people who you are campaigning to?"
Phillip Willoughby
"Honestly, Hon. Martinez is still the representative of the people of Port because he is and was elected. He has the government support to do what he has to as is necessary to satisfy the constituent but what I will endeavor to do is my very best to serve the people as their standard bearer in that capacity in terms of providing for them, seeking whatever assistance they need, if it is taken away from them, I will guarantee them that I will work my very best to ensure that I find a way to satisfy whatever has been taken away. So, if they are fired, yes, I will have to go out there and ask whoever or wherever I can to provide employment to them if it is that there school assistance or grants are taken away, I will have to find a way."
Jules Vasquez
"You don't have a job, you had to resign your job and you don't have an enterprise that is making money for yourself. So, as much as you might want to say, 'bwai, let me help you, see it here.'"
Phillip Willoughby
"I will have to find a way and god willing, I will find that way."
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