Interview with the Candidates
Q.: Why did you choose your particular political party?
A.: I was born under a P.U.P family and I myself have chosen this party that
cares and works for the people. It is a party that has accomplished, with
integrity, all the promises to the people and to the country and it is an
honor to be with the P.U.P party.
Q.: Have you held a political office before? If so, what office?
A.: No, I have never been a political appointee.
Q.: Have you ever participated in any community activities?
A.: I have served my community as a past Lions Club president and treasurer
and also as the Tourist Guide Association's treasurer. I worked with
honesty and I never failed them. These organizations have accomplished much
in our local and national community and I'm happy to have been in them. I
can walk with my head straight up on the streets because I never stole from
the boards which I was involved with.
Q.: Why do you think you would make a good representative of the people?
A.: I know I am going to be a good representative for the people of San
Pedro because I know that I can deal with their problems any where I am.
They could come to me and together we will find a solution to continue the
sound growth of the entire community. Let it be known that I, Pedro Ayuso,
am offering my heart to the people and that from now on they are my family
and with their full support and trust we will make a good representation of
"La Isla Bonita".
Q.: What do you feel is the most important part of your party's political
platform and why?
A.: My party is working with the community, especially, in the field of
education. We are working with the youth and elderly people of our beloved
San Pedro. As you can see, nothing has been done by this present government
to address these problems. Then there is the issue of promoting tourism so
as to have a sustainable economy, with all year round tourism.
Q.: What new projects would you like to see undertaken should you get elected?
A.: First of all, my priority will be working on the airstrip area, in
particular, San Pedrito. San Pedrito is a P.U.P Community Project that began
so as to allocate the demand of more housing projects. Monies were allocated
to pay the rightful owners for the property, however, we understand that
such has not been done. San Pedrito, under the P.U.P Town Board will
immediately get proper streets with drainage system, lights on the streets
and the installation of water and sewage facilities. Last but not least,
give the residents the title of their property. It has been three long years
of neglect by the present town board and we cannot tolerate it. Also, I
would like to see a proper drainage and upkeep of the streets, especially,
for the people living in the San Juan area, San Pablo, Boca del Rio and down
town San Pedro. Since this present town board has promised for the past
three years and nothing has been done. What a shame for the Mayor and the
U.D.P Councilors.
Q.: In the event the town board is a split town board, do you anticipate any
problems? If so, how would you go about dealing with them?
A.: It is not a problem for me to work with a split town board but I prefer
a solid P.U.P Town Board, which we are going to be. The people of La Isla
Bonita are hardworking and very industrious. They have seen that under the
U.D.P, we have been taxed in everything, prices have escalated, with the 15%
VAT. We Belizeans have experienced no personal growth, especially, with our
salaries that have stayed the same since 1993. How can we survive another 3
years of a U.D.P Town Board?
Q.: Do you have any other comments?
A.: I would like everybody to know that the 7 candidates of the P.U.P are
coming to you with their hearts open to work for you and not for our pocket.
Don't let anybody buy your vote since it is sacred to exercise your vote as
a citizen. Vote your conscience, vote solid 7 P.U.P candidates.
Q.: Why did you chose your particular political party?
A.: I chose the UDP because I have seen the good things they have done for
the community. I've seen how they work for the people and the progress they
have brought. My father always taught me not to look at the party but at how
the individuals work. And that is what I've done. I've seen the good they
have done and I choose to be a part of the UDP party, a party of people who
are bring progress to the town.
Q.: Have you ever held a political office before? If so, what office?
A.: No, I have never held a political office before. This is the first time
that I have taken part in politics.
Q.: Have you been a political appointee? If so give details.
A.: No, I have not held a politically appointed position before.
Q.: Have you ever participated in any community activities?
A.: I have been very active with the community, mostly with the youth and
especially the females. I was the organizer of the Ms. Teen San Pedro last
year. I plan to make it an annual activity. It is held in July. I picked
this time because the young people are out of school during the summer
months and they have nothing to do or to entertain themselves with. I was
also a member of the Leos Club and was Ms. Lions district number 59 and also
Ms. San Pedro Lions. I have been involved in several pageants and have won.
I was Ms. Estero Amor and Ms. San Pedro.
Q.: Why do you think you would make a good representative of the people?
A.: I would make a good representative because I understand what the youth
in San Pedro need. I understand that the young people need activities and
projects to occupy themselves with to stop all these teenage pregnancies.
There must be a stop to all of the alcohol abuse and drug abuse among the
youth in this town. I am very friendly and I get along well with people. I
believe that those two qualities will allow me to do a good job. I also know
quite a number of people in the community, especially many young people who
will be able to vote. They know me from the pageants. I also have no problem
with skin color or party. I am honest and responsible and I know I can do a
good job for my community.
Q.: What do you feel is the most important part of your party's political
platform and why?
A.: I believe that the youth are important and the UDP support the youth of
San Pedro. The youth are the people of tomorrow. Our mayor was once a youth
and one of the youth of today will be mayor too. So it's important to help
the young people of today to make a good tomorrow. I believe the youth need
activities to occupy themselves. Activities and events such as beach parties
and shows that they can participate in and display their talents. Education
is also an important part. What I would like to see happen is the organizing
of educational programs to teach young people to stay in school and the
importance of education. I would like to see the formation of more
scholarships. There are many poor students who are very intelligent but
can't afford to go to school.
Q.: What new projects would you like to see undertaken should you get elected?
A.: I would like to establish a youth group for the young people of San
Pedro. They need some where they can go to enjoy themselves but in a heathy
setting. A club house for the members of the youth group is also a very good
idea. Young people like to play pool, darts and video games but the only
place they can do so in town is at bars. They need a place of their own. A
civic center is also a project that should be undertaken. The community
needs a good place to gather and to have their meetings.
Q.: In the event that the town board is a split town board do you anticipate
problems? If so, how would you go about solving them?
A.: It is difficult to work with a split town board because both parties are
usually thinking about their party and not the job they were appointed by
the people to do. It works out better with all 7 blue or 7 red, that way
everyone can work together, share ideas and carry out projects. The main
thing to remember, if in that situation, is to be friendly and courteous.
Don't think about color but about the people. Be cooperative and respectful
of other people's ideas and plans for projects. If there is tension then it
is up to each candidate to act mature and to work the problem out and to do
their jobs.
Q.: Do you have any other comments?
A.: Your vote is your voice! Vote UDP 7 down the line. Vote, choose or loose.
