Three UDP Candidates Battle for Port Loyola Amid Party Division

Continuing with our political coverage, when it comes to the confusion in the United Democratic Party, one of the most interesting constituencies is Port Loyola.  In this area, there are a total of three candidates seeking to run under the UDP banner.  The Barrow-led UDP has selected Dr. Nelma Mortis, the Panton-led group has chosen Phillip Willoughby, and former Minister Anthony “Boots” Martinez is also running under the UDP. This evening, our newsroom met Willoughby on the campaign trail and spoke to him about the confusion and whether he believes he has a fighting chance. 

Phillip Willoughby, Candidate, Port Loyola: “The honest truth is since the controversy of understanding who the real UDP is and who the leader of the UDP is well it’s no secret that Shyne put me out the party and basically told me to sit down and get out. The party leader since November 20th, Tracy Taegar Panton, asked if I would be interested. I said yes. The delegates from Port Loyola approved me coming back to run and represent under the stewardship and leadership of Tracy Taegar Panton. With that said we know that Mr.Barrow has fielded candidates I believe in nearly all 31 constituencies, retracting some due to unforeseen contingencies, one thing or the other but he still is seeking to those candidates that retracted. So there you have it. I am one of those persons challenging for the Port Loyola constituency. I have been on the ground campaigning since January just rekindle, reviving the relationships that I built over the years in Port Loyola and the campaign is going well because of the reception I’ve been receiving. Now that does not necessarily translate into a big W. I would want it to be a big W. I am hopeful it would be a W.”

The People’s United Party’s candidate is Gilroy Usher, who is Willoughby’s father-in-law.