John Saldivar is Ready to Hit the Ground Running in Belmopan

This weekend, the United Democratic Party hosted its highly anticipated Belmopan convention. The three candidates vying for this position were Former Minister of National Security, John Saldivar, Retired Colonel George Lovell, and businessman Emil Torres. Polls opened at nine o’clock Sunday morning, and almost two thousand voters headed to the UB Gymnasium to cast their votes. Giovanna Moguel reports. 

Giovanna Moguel, Love FM News: This was a loud triumphant yell on Sunday evening when former Minister of National Security, John Saldivar, won the United Democratic Party (UDP) Convention in Belmopan.  After seven hours of voting, Saldivar snagged victory after garnering nine hundred and one votes, a number which is just under half of all the votes cast. The polls officially closed at four o’clock in the evening and the tensions were high as votes were being tallied. About a half hour later, the UDP Party Chairman, Senator Michael Peyrefitte officially announced the results and Saldivar was officially the UDP Standard Bearer for Belmopan.

John Saldivar, UDP Standard Bearer, Belmopan: “I John B Saldivar do solemnly swear that as the United Democratic Party Standard Bearer for the Belmopan Constituency I will work diligently to bring victory to our United Democratic Party. I pledge to be true and faithful to the principles and ideals of the party. I will uphold the party’s constitution and will work hard to the very best of my judgment and ability so help me God.”

Giovanna Moguel, Love FM News: One of Saldivar’s opponents, auto dealer Emil Torres, was still in high spirits at the end of the day, despite his defeat. Torres was swarmed by members of his political camp who rushed to support him after he himself congratulated the newly elected standard bearer. Torres expressed his unwavering commitment and support to the party

Emil Torres, UDP Standard Bearer Candidate, Belmopan: “Belmopan is UDP. Oscar Mira ? Watch yourself we are coming for you. This was a victory for the UDP. Noh mek no ghost fool you, no animosity. What is happening here is love. No disrespect. One party. Oscar done. We are one party. At the end of the day we want change in Belmopan. PUP I’m sorry to say it you’re done, we are coming for you. I will support. If this is the end of Emil Torres in politics – boss this is the start. All of them started from somewhere. All of them started from somewhere. This is the start of Emil Torres in Belmopan. Remember another seat will open, I want Oscar to go to the seat mek I jump een there and take him out.”

Giovanna Moguel, Love FM News: On the other hand, Colonel George Lovell was more guarded about the way the results turned out. Lovell was almost sure he had this victory in the bag given the fact that he was endorsed by the Party Leader, Moses “Shyne” Barrow. While Lovell displayed good sportsmanship by congratulating Saldivar, his supporters did not hesitate to heap criticism after the results were revealed. 

Ret’d Col. George Lovell, UDP Standard Bearer Candidate, Belmopan: “The people have spoken and we have to respect. Even though I’ not the standard bearer for Belmopan.”

Rocio Quiroz, Belmopan Voter: “I’m a voter here in Belmopan and I personally came out here no because I’m a UDP. I’m not a UDP. I was a PUP, they expelled me from the party. I thought that I would never come back and support. I’m not here because I’m a UDP but I strongly believe that Mr.Lovelle is the only one that can beat Oscar Mira in Belmopan.”

Giovanna Moguel, Love FM News: Sunday’s convention is the start of a series of constituency contests, which the party has planned. The conventions continue in other parts of Cayo District next. Giovanna Moguel, Love News.