Prime Minister Briceno Expresses Disappointment Over Vega’s Departure, Confident in PUP’s Prospects

Prime Minister John Briceno has expressed disappointment at the Elvia Vega’s exit from the People’s United Party (PUP).  Our correspondent spoke with Briceno yesterday where he indicated that Vege would still be welcomed back into the party, but that he has every confidence in a victory for Thea Garcia in Corozal Bay.  Elvia, the former PUP Area Representative turned independent candidate, has since responded to Briceno’s comments. She took to social media and wrote, quote, “It’s a little too late to express your disappointment! Where was your disappointment when I was being bullied, unfairly challenged, and ousted from my constituency by your CEO and her daughter?” End of quote.  She then questioned whether Briceno was disappointed she preferred to stand her ground than bend down to the forces that be to make it in the political arena.  While Briceno is disappointed in her decision, the PUP’s candidate for Corozal Bay Thea Garcia Ramirez was not bothered by the pronouncement. Yesterday, she weighed in on Vega’s candidacy and sent well wishes for Vega.

Thea Ramirez Garcia, PUP Candidate, Corozal Bay: “Well, she has a right, just as any other citizen, of contesting a general election. So, you know, I think the message Corozal Bay delivered in that convention wasn’t well received by her and I think she has an opportunity to hear it again.”

Reporter: So you don’t see her as any threat for March 12? 

Thea Ramirez Garcia, PUP Candidate, Corozal Bay: “Well, I think that the message is clear. I think that the support is overwhelming and I think that, you know, but she has a right and she’s exercising her right as a citizen of Belize and I wish her well.”

Elvia Vega-Samos came into office on the coattails of her brother, David Diddo Vega, who lost his life to Covid-19 in 2020.  Diddo Vega died before he could have been sworn into the National Assembly.  A bi-election was held where Elvia was endorsed by many in the PUP and subsequently served as the Minister of State in the Ministry of Human Development, Families, and Indigenous People’s Affairs.