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Don't forget that the Area Representative Debate is on tonight. Reef TV Channel 20 and Reef Radio. 7-9pm

Live at 7pm streamed on www.sanpedrosun.com!

Hard Hitting Questions Asked: San Pedro's First Standard Bearers' Debate

Last night, Reef Radio and the San Pedro Sun newspaper hosted the first ever Area Representative debate between the four candidates running in the March 7th election. A few weeks ago, the mayoral candidates had their first debate (see: History Made) but this meeting was better and more exciting in so many ways. The questions were shorter and to the point, the representatives were allowed time for rebuttal, all reps were very well spoken. Instead of just vague, lofty ideas and promises, real facts and action steps were discussed and for the most part (though not all of the time), the questions were actually answered. And the venue (the conference room at the Sunbreeze Hotel) was quieter, acoustically better and much more conducive to this sort of event.

I think that there were lots of great points made by all and I hope voters were listening with open minds and not just think in party colors.

As I stated in my post on the mayoral candidates, I will try to stay impartial (though we all know that is impossible). I love politics, I am fascinated by the inner workings of this town and this country and I do love the fact that each vote REALLY does make a difference.

Eiden Salazar was the moderator and Mary Gonzalez of the San Pedro Sun posed the questions to the candidates.

Click here to read the rest of the article and see LOTS more photos on San Pedro Scoop

Left to Right: Patty Arceo (PUP), Manuel Heredia Jr. (UDP), William "Mike" Campbell (Independent), Robert "Bobby" Lopez (VIP)

Belize Rural South Standard Bearers square off in first ever debate

The Belize Rural South (BRS) Standard Bearers contesting the general election on March 7th squared off in the first ever BRS Standard Bearers' debate, well attended by a crowd of close to one hundred guests. The debate was a joint effort between The San Pedro Sun Newspaper and The Reef Radio/Reef TV.

The BRS Standard Bearers, Manuel Heredia, for the United Democratic Party, Ana Patricia Arceo for the People's United Party, Robert "Bobby" Lopez for the Vision Inspired by the People and William "Mike" Campbell, Independent candidate, were all given a chance to respond and give opening and closing remarks with equally allotted time. A total of ten questions were asked and answered, ranging from topics such as education, tourism, Caye Caulker, crime, subvention, San Mateo and corruption.

Some candidates were more successful in addressing the questions posed, while others did a good job avoiding the questions choosing instead to use the opportunity to present their party's 'successes' and past accomplishments to the listeners. In the minds of many viewers whom we have spoken to, it is apparent that the candidates considered the underdogs in the elections, outshined the major party representatives.

Patty Arceo, PUP Standard Bearer, compared PUP vs UDP, focusing on the work that she accomplished when she was in power 1998-2003 and her intentions to right the wrongs that have taken place since 2003 through 2012. She was very party specific, and certainly came across as beholden to her party. Some of her responses were non-committal. She did, however, make it a point to indicate what she believes should be done, and promised to do just that once elected on March 7, along with her "PUP Town Council".

Manuel Heredia Jr., UDP Area Representative, defended his party, and being the incumbent was certainly on the defensive throughout the entire debate. He brushed aside the "idea" of corruption stating "whenever people don't get what they want, they call it corruption." He focused on being "The friend of the town", "El Amigo del Pueblo", choosing to ride on his accomplishments. He acknowledged the issue of San Mateo as being an issue of grave concern, and as something that he has plans for in the future. He also stated that in 2013, there should be bigger strides towards improving the island's health facilities. He certainly pointed out that while we may want many things, improvements in infrastructure and more, the reality is that the government has to "work with the resources available".

Mike Campbell, Independent candidate, reiterated his strong background in construction and development throughout the country and focused on the development and planning of certain areas of the island, or the lack thereof. He also made a point to address other candidates' choice to respond in Spanish, stating (in Spanish) that the official language of Belize is English. However, he invited anyone who wanted to hear his responses in Spanish to contact him wherever so he could explain himself in said language. When the question on Corruption came up, he defined the various types of corruption, including Nepotism, Crony-ism and Patronage, indicating that indeed, it takes place in our country and that anyone who says otherwise simply doesn't know what corruption is or chooses to ignore it.

Robert "Bobby" Lopez, Candidate for the VIP, was seen, by many viewers, to have handled the questions the best, providing educated, well-researched answers, including facts, figures, dates and examples. He presented himself as a family oriented, educated, and self-made businessman and described how he began his business with $6,000 and he expects to retire shortly with a net worth of over $6,000,000. His use of the Mennonite example as a framework for success embodies what he stands for, which is dignity.

The general consensus is that BRS, our constituency, is not getting its fair share, and not getting what it deserves. The suggestion of becoming the seventh district of the country was definitely a strong sentiment among most candidates.

Click here for the rest of the story and lots more pictures in the San Pedro Sun!

Prospective Area Representatives Debate Issues

The Sunbreeze Conference Room was the perfect venue for the first debate among four prospective Area Representatives who battled it out on issues affecting the lives of all residents of San Pedro Ambergris Caye, on Wednesday, February 15, 2012. The ten questions presented were well worded and set three of the candidates pointing fingers at Hon. Manuel Heredia, the incumbent standard bearer.

The Belize Rural South Standard Bearers include Manuel Heredia for the United Democratic Party, Ana Patricia Arceo for the People's United Party, Robert "Bobby" Lopez for the Vision Inspired by the People and William "Mike" Campbell, Independent candidate. All four were given a chance to respond and give opening and closing remarks during equally allotted time. A total of ten questions were asked ranging from topics such as education, tourism, Caye Caulker, crime, subvention, San Mateo and corruption.

Click here for the rest of the story and more pictures in the Ambergris Today

Standard Bearers Debate Q&A: Education

On Wednesday, February 15th, 2012, the first ever Belize Rural South Standard Bearers debate was held in San Pedro at the Sunbreeze Hotel Conference Room. Candidates Mike Campbell, Patty Arceo, Bobby Lopez and Manuel Heredia Jr. squared off on topics ranging from crime and corruption to education and tourism. Over the next few days we will be presenting a verbatim transcript of all the questions, answers and rebuttals by each candidate for you to view, read and discuss in detail. We now get to our first topic� Education

Click here to read the rest of the article and see more photos in the San Pedro Sun

Standard Bearers Debate Q&A: Campaigning

On Wednesday, February 15th, 2012, the first ever Belize Rural South Standard Bearers debate was held in San Pedro at the Sunbreeze Hotel Conference Room. Candidates Mike Campbell, Patty Arceo, Bobby Lopez and Manuel Heredia Jr. squared off on topics ranging from crime and corruption to education and tourism. Over the next few days we will be presenting a verbatim transcript of all the questions, answers and rebuttals by each candidate for you to view, read and discuss in detail. We now get to our second topic� Campaigning

Click here for the article...

Standard Bearers Debate Q&A: Caye Caulker

On Wednesday, February 15th, 2012, the first ever Belize Rural South Standard Bearers debate was held in San Pedro at the Sunbreeze Hotel Conference Room. Candidates Mike Campbell, Patty Arceo, Bobby Lopez and Manuel Heredia Jr. squared off on topics ranging from crime and corruption to education and tourism. Over the next few days we will be presenting a verbatim transcript of all the questions, answers and rebuttals by each candidate for you to view, read and discuss in detail. We now get to our next topic� Caye Caulker

Question:
Caye Caulker residents say the feel forgotten, neglected and only remembered at elections time. Do you think this is true and how do you intend to change this perception?

Click here for the article...