Town Council Elections are due in March of next year and General Elections are due until 2013, but already we have gotten unofficial confirmation of the candidates posturing themselves in front of the electorate for the post of Area Representative and possible ministers in the next cabinet of government.
This also unofficially launches the campaign of individuals and parties so it is time to get to know our candidates in Belize Rural South. Confirmed are Baldemar Graniel, Ana Patricia Arceo, Ramon Reyes Jr. for the PUP and Mike Campbell of the PNP. The VIP has not confirmed its candidate yet and it is highly expected that incumbent Manuel Heredia will postulate his candidacy for another term under the UDP.
The upcoming interviews are designed for the candidates to introduce themselves to the electorate and you will be able to follow their steps in making your decisions on Election Day. We’ll bring you two interviews weekly and follow ups for your perusal. Enjoy and leave your comments below.
Belize Rural South Political Candidates: Patty Arceo and Baldemar Graniel
Mr. Baldemar Graniel
Question 1: Please give me briefly your background, your educational resume, and any information relevant of you as a candidate.
– In the 1960’s together with my brother we started the first water taxi in San Pedro with a small skiff named El Velos. I was one of the first volunteers of the San Pedro Fire Service and I have served as vice president and as a board of director of the Caribeña Co-op for many years.
I am a member of the San Pedro Lions Club and I have served as Lion president in 1985/86 and again in 1995/96, served as Lions District Governor in 1997/98. I am presently serving as Belize Lions 59 Zone Chairman from 2009/2011 as well as the Chairman of the San Pedro Poly Clinic for the San Pedro Lions Club.
I was named a Justice of the Peace in 1984 and Senior Justice of the Peace in 2002. I was appointed as a Commissioner of the Supreme Court in 1991. I have served my town as part of the San Pedro Town Council for 15 years and was Mayor of San Pedro in 1992/94.
Question 2: What has been your political experience, training, or involvement in politics?
– My political experience goes back since I was 11-years-old; I started campaigning for the Honorable George Price and Louis Sylvestre and I am a long time leader and distinguished servant of the People’s United Party.
Question 3: Kindly tell us what is it that you personally can bring for the betterment of San Pedro and Caye Caulker.
– Under my leadership I will do my very best to improve the health facilities on the islands. I will ensure that our children get the best education possible and build more parks for them to play and improve all playgrounds for both Caye Caulker and San Pedro. I will to the best of my abilities establish a respectful and amicable line of cooperation with all government departments to ensure more and better quality of services. I will consult with all N.G.O.’s and business community for a more effective and fair running of the affairs that affect us all and will keep you informed of all matters before any decisions is taken.
Question 4: Kindly tell us how you see your political party bringing betterment to San Pedro and Caye Caulker.
– By having my political party in Government it will be my responsibility to as Area Representative to get my party to bring betterment to my constituency and the whole country. I will lobby with all members of the House of Representative to be able to achieve my goals and that of the people since this has not been done for two decades now.
Question 5: Please tell us what is happening in San Pedro and Caye Caulker that you like and what is going on that you don’t like.
– I like how united the people are when it comes to defending their rights on matters that affect their livelihood and in support of people who are in need.
– I don’t like how the affairs of our Islands are being handled by the Area Representative and the United Democratic Party. There is no consultation; it is all dictatorship. For instance when we get to know about things, they have already been approved by Cabinet and we are just left with the option of liking it or not.
Question 6: What would you do different in San Pedro and Caye Caulker compared to the way it is being done right now.
– Because I am dedicated, honest, and hardworking, have a proven track record, I will fight for the rights of the people no matter which party is in government. I am ready, willing and able to serve Caye Caulker and San Pedro as their Representative.
Final Question: This is in two parts. First, why should the people of Belize Rural South vote for you when the time comes? And secondly, give the people of Belize Rural South a short message.
My message – I will make time to listen to your concerns, suggestions and advice. My endeavor is to serve you not for you to serve me. My office will be available to you during working hours, after hours, on weekends and why not even on holidays.
Vote for experience!! Vote for a proven track record!! Vote for commitment to work!! Vote for a true and honest voice of and for the people. Vote for your friend – Vote Baldemar Graniel for PUP standard bearer Belize Rural South. Thank you very much and may God Bless us all.
Ms. Patty Arceo
Question 1: Please give me briefly your background, your educational resume, and any information relevant of you as a candidate.
– My background has been of community involvement in making San Pedro a beautiful place from the days of participating in San Pedro Youth Group, LEO’s Club, Miss Sea & Air to that of being a volunteer to many of the social organizations presently in town.
*San Pedro High School – Diploma 1984
*Associate Degree – Eco-Tourism & a Technical Certificate in Travel & Tourism, Hocking College, Ohio, USA 1996
*Awards Received –
(i) San Pedro Town Council 1999 -Certificate of Recognition – For Having Achieved High Goal and Breaking the Barriers in the Community of San Pedro.
(ii) CARAIFA (Caribbean Association of Insurance & Financial Advisors) 2002, Certificate of Recognition
(iii) San Pedro Town Council, 2009 Certificate of Appreciation – Service as Councilor & Deputy Mayor
(iv) Belize Women’s Political Caucus, 1992- Floss Cassola Award – Women in Politics
(v) Attorney General Ministry, 1993, Commission Justice of the Peace for the Country of Belize
(vi) NEMO (National Emergency Management Organization)2003, Certificate of Appreciation in Emergency Management during Hurricane Mitch & Hurricane Keith
Question 2: What has been your political experience, training, or involvement in politics?
– Deputy Mayor – 1991-92, Councilor – 1992-94, Area Representative of the Belize Rural South- 1998-2003, Minister of State in the Ministry of Natural Resources & Environment 1999-2003.
I have served as Chairperson for the Belize Tourist Board from 1998-2000, chaired The House Committee in Tourism, National Assembly, 1998-2003, I’ve been a Member of The House Committee in Trade & Commerce, 1998-2003, served as Member, P.U.P. National Party Council 1990 to present. Member of P.U.P. 1984 to present.
Question 3: Kindly tell us what is it that you personally can bring for the betterment of San Pedro and Caye Caulker.
– As residents of San Pedro and Caye Caulker we all know what needs to be changed and what would do great to make both communities successful. There are two things that I would change and the first one is “no more procrastination.” It is often said by voters that you never see government doing anything for the communities until election time comes rolling around. Well work should commence from the time that an official is elected, they should not wait until elections are coming, and that is procrastination. By not procrastinating, items on a manifesto can be achieved especially because projects take time to complete. We are at a time where we can no longer sit back and wait for things to change, or wait for Central Government to change them. It is up to us NOW to make those changes or we won’t see a brighter future. That is why manifestos are made, to guide us, to give us a “to do” list of all the necessities of the community. Why procrastinate? Why wait to make the changes?
The second thing will be to consult with the public. The lagoon project was shut down because the present government did not discuss with the community as to what they wanted. Why was the community not asked what they want? After all it is their homes, their livelihoods that get affected? More community involvement is definitely needed if REAL progress is going to take place. Once consultations take place, then ACTION needs to come. People hate attending town meeting because it the same thing all the time. Decisions are taken and then nothing is done. Who knows why the officials have chosen not to do them but it is important that once a meeting has taken place that action occurs.
Question 4: Kindly tell us how you see your political party bringing betterment to San Pedro and Caye Caulker.
– The People’s United Party has always been known as a party that moves ahead into the future. At this point in time, our Party is blessed with many young, talented, educated, new leaders who are willing to deal with all kinds of problems in a solutions-oriented manner. They are not problem-dwellers, not problem-blamers, r problem-avoiders. They don’t simply rehash a problem the way problem dwellers do and they do not put off dealing with issues the way avoiders do. The PUP gets problems out in the open for discussion and then collaborates with others to find solutions and form action plans.
Yes, all political parties make little mistakes. However, in just a little of 3 years of the present government we are no longer imagining the possibilities but we are living a nightmare. It is time to move past those previous mistakes and get to solving the problems at hand like the cancellations of lots, the loss of jobs, loss of homes and also loss of loved ones all because of the incompetence of our present leaders. Whosoever’s fault it was, as politicians voted into public service our job is to find solutions to those problems and get ahead, get our communities ahead and better the lives of our constituents.
Question 5: Please tell us what is happening in San Pedro and Caye Caulker that you like and what is going on that you don’t like.
– I like that today’s voters are more educated and want a government that puts them first. As such they are comparing our histories in government, comparing our manifestos, comparing the quality of the candidates, comparing the level of organizational competence and unity, comparing the experience and performance. Our people, the PUP, UDP and Independent are comparing the work that was done under the P.U.P. with the present government and their choice is clear for 2013.
Don’t Like – That the present local and national government have forgotten the people of San Pedro. Our people have been completely left behind and only those that have money are being served.
Question 6: What would you do different in San Pedro and Caye Caulker compared to the way it is being done right now.
– The one thing I would do differently is put the people first. Yes, everyone says that when they are looking to get into power. Look at the projects that were completed during my tenure. They are too numerous to mention in one short interview, and I did all of that in one term in office. These projects were all carried out because it was what the people needed first. It is what they were clamoring for and as a public servant it was my duty and job to give it to them. That is what I will do differently- put people first because right now there is neglect.
Final Question: This is in two parts. First, why should the people of Belize Rural South vote for you when the time comes.
First of all, I am humbled to be able to serve my people. I am putting them, the people of Belize Rural South FIRST; I care, “Count On Me”. This is my home just like theirs and I want to see a better San Pedro & Caye Caulker.
And Secondly, give the people of Belize Rural South a short message.
The voter of Belize Rural South, San Pedro & Caye Caulker have a great responsibility coming up on Sunday, June 12, 2011, as members of the P.U.P. go to Convention to vote for a P.U.P. Standard Bearer to contest the 2013 General Elections. You the voters need someone who can lead the Party to victory in the 2013 General Elections. Someone who has proven herself by working projects and can rebuild our islands, which have been neglected, to become once more prosperous islands. May God guide you in your deliberations, and may you choose wisely for the benefit of your children and our communities. Vote Patty Arceo for a better San Pedro and Caye Caulker. Muchas gracias. “Cuenta Conmigo” Quien No Mira Hacia Adelante a 2013, Atras Se Quedara en 2008.
