March 2, 2011
Editor Amandala
Dear Sir:
I was not in the least bit surprised to read about the resignation of Mr. Hector Silva from the Order of Distinguished Service of the PUP. It was Mr. Silva after all who had cautioned the current leader of the Party, Mr. Briceño, to abide by the Party’s Constitution in the conduct of the PUP’s National Convention last October. Belizeans will recall that Mr. Briceño insisted on having an early convention to re-elect himself, even though this convention was not due until November. If the Leader will not follow the rules for himself, why would he follow it when electing standard bearers? The various endorsements he has arranged, such as Julius and Mike Espat and Arthur Saldivar, are paybacks for the support which he received when he broke the rules for himself in the first place.
What does surprise me is that people like Mr. Dan Silva from Cayo have not stood up against these injustices. Mr. Silva had threatened to resign some weeks ago but apparently has been talked out of taking a principled stand. I know Mr. Dan, who was the best Minister of Agriculture this country has ever had. He has always been a man that stands up against this kind of behavior from the Party Leader. That’s why he walked away from politics in 2003 – because of the corruption in the PUP government. Mr. Dan should not tolerate this kind of dictatorship in the PUP. Those conventions should be reversed. Mr. Wade should be allowed to run in Cayo South, the other Mr. Wade in Rural North and Mr. Chavarria in Toledo. This is only right and fair. If Mr. Briceño behaves this way in opposition, he will be worse than Musa if he ever becomes Prime Minister. God help us then.
The time to change your behavior, Mr. Briceño, is before you get to Belmopan!
Sincerely,
(Signed) Polly Cameron