7 News Belize

Red, White and...more Red in 10th Parade
posted (September 11, 2019)
It was the tenth day of September yesterday, and at the end of tonight's news, we'll show you highlights of the parade and the official ceremony. But it wasn't just a ceremonial event, we picked up some strong and surprising political signals in the parade - which has always been a showcase for UDP muscle. First, we saw Deputy Leader Patrick Faber out in force with his Collet constituents, but his crowd, very notably, did not include any national political figures. His rival for leader, on the other hand, Belmopan rep John Saldivar seems to have come down to the city to make a statement on Faber's home turf. Saldivar was in Albert Rep Tracey Taegar Panton's larger and more animated crowd. We also saw Mesopotamia standard bearer Shyne Barrow in the crowd, and spotted OJ Elrington bringing up the rear.

The Taegar-Saldivar apparent alliance is hugely significant in terms of the power balance in the party heading into next February's convention. Taegar-Panton was considered a key ally of Faber and was seen 10 days ago at his convention. She is considered to be a possible prospect for a senior executive post in the party. In the city, we are told that Saldivar also has the support of Queen's Square standard bearer "Sister B.". So, with the support of the PM's sister, it's not too far a stretch to guess where the Prime Minister's support may lie.

Of course, February 2020 is far away and a lot can change in the ever shifting power balance in the mercurial ruling party.

Home | Archives | Downloads/Podcasts | Advertise | Contact Us

7 News Belize