March 14, 2011
Editor Amandala
Dear Sir,
Mrs. Maureen Leslie has been Chairperson of the PUP Belmopan Constituency for two years now. She has worked day and night to keep our Party’s spirit alive. She is now offering herself as a candidate in the Belmopan convention to elect a standard bearer. Because of her record of public service, and the reputation she attained as an outstanding law enforcer, I believe she is a strong candidate. She is a vibrant, working Belizean woman.
I hope that the rumor circulating in Belmopan is not true. It is being said that the PUP leadership, including both the Briceño and Musa/Fonseca factions, are forcing Mrs. Maureen to step down in favor of a Belize City lawyer. Maureen is being bribed and bullied with promises of appointments and gold after the PUP wins the next elections.
Hang in there, Mrs. Maureen. You represent what the PUP used to be – a Party that had room for middle class and working people. No more it seems. If you are not a Musa, Fonseca, Briceño, Shoman, etc., then you have no place in senior positions. Look at how Mr. Chavarria and Mr. Wade were shoved aside. If the PUP can behave this way in Opposition, imagine what will happen they ever get to Belmopan. Maureen is not only roots PUP but her mother Mrs. Louise Bevans was a diehard supporter of George Price until her death. Maureen’s sister is a long serving staff at the Party newspaper. These people are “salt of the earth” PUP’s.
Come on, PUP leaders, have you all lost your minds? Stop holding the party hostage and stop giving Barrow and the UDP another term by stifling democracy in the PUP.
Sincerely,
(Signed) Genevieve Jones
Cohune Walk,
Belmopan