The body politic of Orange Walk Town has spoken and there is a myriad of angles as to why the results are what they are. These angles may be as numerous as there are electors. I will not even attempt to hint that I have the best angle. I do not.
What I can say is that our Orange Walkeño voters spoke as opposed to the silent majority in the rest of the nation. Our democracy is built to give those who wish to remain silent to do so innocuously. Again, why did they stay home will be an endless debate. All I can say is this; if you do not like a restaurant then you do not go and buy food from it.
IMHO the PUP candidates had too much of rookie in them. At the polls, people will many a times go with name recognition and how long the name has been under the spotlight.
I know, maybe, all the 14 candidates from both parties in Orange Walk. Having this information in mind I had made my assertions and had gotten a general feeling. But the majority obviously could did not see what I saw.
I have never liked the ideas of split votes, not in Belize. The politics is still too petty. Mr. de la Fuente asserted that he will work with HIS new council. My take is that when a council is split then the town suffers since you have less people to serve them. When I think of the people that surround Mr. de la Fuente all I get is victimization, party politics galore and anti-PUP venom. None of these three are good for Orange Walk. It is left to be seen what responsibilities will be given to the 3 PUP councilors.
I knew too that the cane farmer issue was not going to pan out either way. The cane farmers involved are not so much from OW town. Dean Barrow was not running for councilor or mayor; he would have lost. I would not have liked the PUP winning because of that issue. I did not support the cane farmer stand anyway. I also did not support the Dean Barrow approach to quell.
All in all, the PUP is still in convalescing. It showed signs of getting up but the cancer imposed by the terrible twins is yet to be stricken totally. The People's United Party will need to go beyond remission before they can savour another win at the polls. March 4, 2009 was a step towards the total CHANGE that has been envisioned. The loss for all intents and purposes and ODDS was inevitable.
Too many people stayed away yesterday. They are like a sleeping giant that needs agitating. The PUP needs to show why they are NEW and IMPROVED. Belizeans did not see it; nor did they feel it. It is back to the drawing board to find that formula of success for the PUP and benefit for our invaluable people of the jewel.
For the new Orange Walk Town Council and Mayor this is like 2003 for the PUP. We need the best for our town. After all, there was much ado about nothing. Our democracy in Orange Walk prevailed. The majority have decided who they want to take care of their affairs.
I have always been one to go with who rules, PUP or UDP. Our leaders must be given a chance to make decisions and then elections come.
I will follow here and the electorate will also follow.
Later.
Showing posts with label elections. Show all posts
Showing posts with label elections. Show all posts
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Friday, February 27, 2009
Change is Coming!
Obama managed to slough away the cliché from "change." He did so with the expectation that it will not be easy. He let his followers chant until they believed that "they could." "Yes we can" was the the echo that reverberated every filled football stadium. No echo would have been felt if it did not come from deep within and if it was not an accepted pledge of responsibility.
The PUP in Orange Walk is postured with its "Change is Coming" website and general disposition as the party in waiting for 2012 or earlier and beyond. With a NEW party leader the political spectrum within the party is yet shaping. I get the feel from reading and listening that the change that they are talking about is not necessarily cosmetic but one that more wholesomely has Belizeans in mind. This is just like Obama who had not white American, nor Black Americans nor Hispanic Americans but Americans from the United States in mind.
The PUP in Orange Walk obviously copied the 'CHANGE' word in its entirety. It was copied with all its novel significance.
I can live with less corruption. But many will agree with me that the system has to be changed since it is easy for a government to have absolute power. This opens gaping chasms for absolute corruption to be cultured and almost institutionalized.
I have always disliked when our fledgling Belize goes to consecutive/simultaneous polls and have ONE party ruling all the towns and of course the bicameral chambers by constitution. A catastrophe is waiting to happen.
In Orange Walk, the outgoing UDP town council is for its most part vieing to repeat as the elected council. The UDP Mayor is being replaced in the ticket by someone with no proven leadership. In fact, he stood beside his Mayor as power was being usurped. Mr. de la Fuente should have revealed truths and prove that transparency is more than a buzz word. It might still not be too late. Maybe that is why he crumpled at the idea of being challenged to a debate with and by Mr. Cervantes the PUP mayoral candidate.
Yes folks! He rejected the idea of openess and the MIGHT OF TRUTH.
To pound on this a little more, he should reveal if the ex-mayor, for all intents, will be gifted with his old job at OWTHS. He should also reveal if there are any other perks to the ex-mayor's exit. Like for example, will the ex-Mayor get any undue fully paid government scholarships to any university of his choice. Belizeans would like to know before we get surprised. It is a shot at transparency.
Anyway Orange Walk, the crux is in getting the best for our money's worth, our taxes. It is said that we get the leaders WE deserve. I put it further that many a times our slate of elected leaders reflect our society. As a society we need to work hard for ourselves and not expect handouts or undue scholarships or jobs we do not qualify for. Then when as a majority we all have plans and endevours and just objectives only then will our leaders also have the same.
So the challenge is there, from lil me. The change that the PUP is proposing as I read it goes beyond a slogan but it is Obamaesque. It encompasses new and improved Belizeans, a hyped Belizean working attitude, and the right Belizean societal attitudes. Only then can we also be a LAND OF THE FREE (the Caribbean version feat. Belizeans.)
Until next time... maybe tomorrow.
The PUP in Orange Walk is postured with its "Change is Coming" website and general disposition as the party in waiting for 2012 or earlier and beyond. With a NEW party leader the political spectrum within the party is yet shaping. I get the feel from reading and listening that the change that they are talking about is not necessarily cosmetic but one that more wholesomely has Belizeans in mind. This is just like Obama who had not white American, nor Black Americans nor Hispanic Americans but Americans from the United States in mind.
The PUP in Orange Walk obviously copied the 'CHANGE' word in its entirety. It was copied with all its novel significance.
I can live with less corruption. But many will agree with me that the system has to be changed since it is easy for a government to have absolute power. This opens gaping chasms for absolute corruption to be cultured and almost institutionalized.
I have always disliked when our fledgling Belize goes to consecutive/simultaneous polls and have ONE party ruling all the towns and of course the bicameral chambers by constitution. A catastrophe is waiting to happen.
In Orange Walk, the outgoing UDP town council is for its most part vieing to repeat as the elected council. The UDP Mayor is being replaced in the ticket by someone with no proven leadership. In fact, he stood beside his Mayor as power was being usurped. Mr. de la Fuente should have revealed truths and prove that transparency is more than a buzz word. It might still not be too late. Maybe that is why he crumpled at the idea of being challenged to a debate with and by Mr. Cervantes the PUP mayoral candidate.
Yes folks! He rejected the idea of openess and the MIGHT OF TRUTH.
To pound on this a little more, he should reveal if the ex-mayor, for all intents, will be gifted with his old job at OWTHS. He should also reveal if there are any other perks to the ex-mayor's exit. Like for example, will the ex-Mayor get any undue fully paid government scholarships to any university of his choice. Belizeans would like to know before we get surprised. It is a shot at transparency.
Anyway Orange Walk, the crux is in getting the best for our money's worth, our taxes. It is said that we get the leaders WE deserve. I put it further that many a times our slate of elected leaders reflect our society. As a society we need to work hard for ourselves and not expect handouts or undue scholarships or jobs we do not qualify for. Then when as a majority we all have plans and endevours and just objectives only then will our leaders also have the same.
So the challenge is there, from lil me. The change that the PUP is proposing as I read it goes beyond a slogan but it is Obamaesque. It encompasses new and improved Belizeans, a hyped Belizean working attitude, and the right Belizean societal attitudes. Only then can we also be a LAND OF THE FREE (the Caribbean version feat. Belizeans.)
Until next time... maybe tomorrow.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Fog of Incertitude
Six days are left to go before the elections and the fog of incertitude gets thinner and thinner. The view on the streets of our dear town is a PUP win. It is so clear that the take on the outgoing OW town council is that they did a poor job maybe terrible. Even if they are to say that it was the "Mayor" that created follies to fill up the ocean, as I have said in an earlier post, the council failed to council. And that is their job, they are the town council.
In 2003, the UDP lost a general election widely due to PUP being popular regardless of the 'perception' that two of its topmost leaders were definitely on the auto-take to put it mildly. Perception has a lot to do with the reality of many people. Whenever I read a newspaper, I read it as the opinion of a couple of people and nothing else. This blog is my opinion. But I do realize, that is not the case out there. If you are perceived as a failure it is usually a mixture of fact and fiction and you are doomed at the polls.
In 2003, the UDP was doomed at the polls because of their lack of candidates that were up to the task. In 2008, the PUP were doomed at the polls because of the terrible twins and the electorate castigated the entire slate for allowing these two to even still contest their seats. The UDP thus won by default; they had nor have any merit. See; it is difficult to rule fairly and skillfully if you are full of ire and desire for revenge. Many people are UDP supporters becuase of something they are angered over; this vile feeling does not allow for good governance.
The PUP base is an old one. It is made up of people that want to better the country. These people make up the majority. But the PUP lost the last two elections horribly in spite of being the majority becuase of a reeking cancer that had to be NOT nipped but slashed off. The perception on the PUP is that they had become too corrupt. I keep saying perception because until the proof is before the courts then who knows. I can guess as the normal Belizean.
The UDP came into power flailing at everything. Other than seeming mindless about the economy, clueless about the ever present crime and too ad hoc with the Belizeanized transportation fiasco, they love to shoot themselves on the leg whenever they can. They do things like relieve people of their jobs, like try to take away small properties, are guilty of super-nepotism, build large homes, and get married when you should be celebrating other momentous occasions. All this in one year!
People all around this country will notice...and they have.
Many in the UDP are too angry at something somewhere to give Belize some fair governance. The central government has officially less than four years to go. After their landslide victory, it seems to me that they would lose a general election this March 4. It is a sad case for Belize that our government got so unpopular so quickly. But that is the case when you do not actually win but your opponent loses.
In Orange Walk, I am sensing a PUP win for the mayor and his team. The manifestos that are out seem fair but the UDP manifesto tries to sweeten up the formatting without actually having content. The PUP one is conservative and if you ask me it is robust and achievable. I believe it does take into account that there will be a UDP central government that if precedent is any indication, and PUP town council these next three years will need to be precise and up to the task. The UDP government has promised money to anyone that takes office; but we know even that is campaigning.
In the next post, I will talk a little on the personalities. I happen to know, at least marginally, most of the 14 men and women running.
Remember to vote in the polls, here and OrangeWalk.net for the fun of it....serious fun.
In 2003, the UDP lost a general election widely due to PUP being popular regardless of the 'perception' that two of its topmost leaders were definitely on the auto-take to put it mildly. Perception has a lot to do with the reality of many people. Whenever I read a newspaper, I read it as the opinion of a couple of people and nothing else. This blog is my opinion. But I do realize, that is not the case out there. If you are perceived as a failure it is usually a mixture of fact and fiction and you are doomed at the polls.
In 2003, the UDP was doomed at the polls because of their lack of candidates that were up to the task. In 2008, the PUP were doomed at the polls because of the terrible twins and the electorate castigated the entire slate for allowing these two to even still contest their seats. The UDP thus won by default; they had nor have any merit. See; it is difficult to rule fairly and skillfully if you are full of ire and desire for revenge. Many people are UDP supporters becuase of something they are angered over; this vile feeling does not allow for good governance.
The PUP base is an old one. It is made up of people that want to better the country. These people make up the majority. But the PUP lost the last two elections horribly in spite of being the majority becuase of a reeking cancer that had to be NOT nipped but slashed off. The perception on the PUP is that they had become too corrupt. I keep saying perception because until the proof is before the courts then who knows. I can guess as the normal Belizean.
The UDP came into power flailing at everything. Other than seeming mindless about the economy, clueless about the ever present crime and too ad hoc with the Belizeanized transportation fiasco, they love to shoot themselves on the leg whenever they can. They do things like relieve people of their jobs, like try to take away small properties, are guilty of super-nepotism, build large homes, and get married when you should be celebrating other momentous occasions. All this in one year!
People all around this country will notice...and they have.
Many in the UDP are too angry at something somewhere to give Belize some fair governance. The central government has officially less than four years to go. After their landslide victory, it seems to me that they would lose a general election this March 4. It is a sad case for Belize that our government got so unpopular so quickly. But that is the case when you do not actually win but your opponent loses.
In Orange Walk, I am sensing a PUP win for the mayor and his team. The manifestos that are out seem fair but the UDP manifesto tries to sweeten up the formatting without actually having content. The PUP one is conservative and if you ask me it is robust and achievable. I believe it does take into account that there will be a UDP central government that if precedent is any indication, and PUP town council these next three years will need to be precise and up to the task. The UDP government has promised money to anyone that takes office; but we know even that is campaigning.
In the next post, I will talk a little on the personalities. I happen to know, at least marginally, most of the 14 men and women running.
Remember to vote in the polls, here and OrangeWalk.net for the fun of it....serious fun.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Orange Walk.net
Good Day everyone!
As I was rummaging through various webpages I stumbled across Orange Walk.net's poll on Orange Walk's Town Council elections. Since we are on election mode here at INSIGHT. I decided to place the results of the poll here right under the countdown. You are not able to vote on OW.net's poll here but you can go to their site and add a vote.
Our modest poll here at INSIGHT does not have the numbers but it shows a similar outcome. With some 8 days left to go, readers can choose to vote here to show that the trend NOW is the same. So if you are a visitor from Orange Walk.net welcome.
Even though I say courtesy of Orange Walk.net I do not have the permission to use their poll but in the spirit of openness and the wideness of the World Wide Web I am sure that they do not mind. Let me further add, it seems that the people at OW.net feel the same about my writing at INSIGHT. I have just noticed that they have a link to my OWINSIGHT. Whoever is responsible...thank you.
I invite them to place a picture link to this blog.
Until further Insight to your dreams!
As I was rummaging through various webpages I stumbled across Orange Walk.net's poll on Orange Walk's Town Council elections. Since we are on election mode here at INSIGHT. I decided to place the results of the poll here right under the countdown. You are not able to vote on OW.net's poll here but you can go to their site and add a vote.
Our modest poll here at INSIGHT does not have the numbers but it shows a similar outcome. With some 8 days left to go, readers can choose to vote here to show that the trend NOW is the same. So if you are a visitor from Orange Walk.net welcome.
Even though I say courtesy of Orange Walk.net I do not have the permission to use their poll but in the spirit of openness and the wideness of the World Wide Web I am sure that they do not mind. Let me further add, it seems that the people at OW.net feel the same about my writing at INSIGHT. I have just noticed that they have a link to my OWINSIGHT. Whoever is responsible...thank you.
I invite them to place a picture link to this blog.
Until further Insight to your dreams!
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Id
Or is it the ego that compels our Prime Minister. It is fine for him to do so but it befuddles me why he plays with our country at the center?
That he runs from our flood-ravaged savannas to Savannah, Georgia is fine... sort of. But you would think that the populace (not to mention the Belizean People of his political party), would want him celebrating here in Belize on Feb. 7. They would want to be part of the fuss. Who cares? Guess who?
Fresh off the defrocking of one of our very own and anointing one of his, the PM revives something that I can remember in days of old that he is the "minister of everything." The NCN Range Rover, the retrenchment galore, the over-priced VAT and the call for violence, all came before. So there is precedent to these insensitive decisions. These are insensitive to Belizeans of course.
Two days after his birthday by carrier pigeon and by binary code, his successor to LO will show the world that NEW has its meaning etched in reality.
(Help... any suggestions to these)
Orange Walkeños, Corozaleños, San Ignaceños/Santa Eleños, Belmopaneños, Dangrigeños, Punta Gordeños, San Pedranos, and Beliceños(Belize City ) alike will show to themselves and the candidates alike that they want to rule as the internet era allows. WE want to he heard and WE want to be an intricate part of decisions. Self-aggrandizement will not be tolerated.
The CHANGE that WE want is not necessarily of which party is leading but that the people will carry the lead whilst the leaders will actually serve.
Lately, our 'leaders' duly reward themselves . It should be that when they lead successfully, the people will duly reward them.
Everyone has an Id. Sometimes though it oozes out to affect a multitude; it should not.
That he runs from our flood-ravaged savannas to Savannah, Georgia is fine... sort of. But you would think that the populace (not to mention the Belizean People of his political party), would want him celebrating here in Belize on Feb. 7. They would want to be part of the fuss. Who cares? Guess who?
Fresh off the defrocking of one of our very own and anointing one of his, the PM revives something that I can remember in days of old that he is the "minister of everything." The NCN Range Rover, the retrenchment galore, the over-priced VAT and the call for violence, all came before. So there is precedent to these insensitive decisions. These are insensitive to Belizeans of course.
Two days after his birthday by carrier pigeon and by binary code, his successor to LO will show the world that NEW has its meaning etched in reality.
(Help... any suggestions to these)The CHANGE that WE want is not necessarily of which party is leading but that the people will carry the lead whilst the leaders will actually serve.
Lately, our 'leaders' duly reward themselves . It should be that when they lead successfully, the people will duly reward them.
Everyone has an Id. Sometimes though it oozes out to affect a multitude; it should not.
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