Area Representative Candidates Debate in San Pedro

The candidates vying for the post of Area Representative in the Rural South Constituency faced off in a public debate last night. The event was held in San Pedro Town and initially saw participation from all the division’s candidates vying in the general election. The four participants were Andre Perez of the People’s United Party (PUP), Mahmoud ‘Dani’ Lagha, and Manuel Heredia Jr. both running under the United Democratic Party (UDP) banner, and Abner Bacab of the Belizeans Justice Movement (BJM). However, while all four men showed up, Lagha abruptly left thirty minutes into the debate and did not provide a reason for his departure. Nonetheless, the other candidates were asked to comment on a range of topics pertinent to their constituents. The men were asked to comment on whether they believed there was a need for greater public consultation when approving large developments on the island. The first to respond was Andre Perez, who conceded that the area needs improvement, particularly through the use of social media. 

While Perez believes the past government has improved its consultation with the public, both his opponents disagreed, particularly Bacab, who stated that both political mass parties have failed the islanders. 

The debate was organized by several entities on Ambergris Caye and sought to provide a platform for the candidates to speak about their manifesto plans.