Francis Fonseca
At ten minutes past four this evening, the political career of Arthur Saldivar, at least as a Standard Bearer of the People’s United Party, came to an end. Following a two week long investigation by a special committee and a two hour meeting this afternoon, the National Executive issued a directive that Saldivar be removed as the Belize Rural North candidate, and as a member of the Party’s National Executive. The very flamboyant Saldivar has remained unflappable through allegations that he took nine hundred and four thousand dollars from a client. That a very serious allegation, and others citing less than desirable behaviour by Saldivar formed a basis for the decision today. Saldivar was given the news at Independence Hall, and as he emerged from the building, he appeared as unperturbed as ever.
Francis Fonseca, P.U.P. Leader
“With immediate effect, Mr. Arthur Saldivar is removed as the Standard Bearer for Belize Rural North for the People’s United Party and is removed as a member of the National Executive of the Party. Mr. Saldivar and the Chairlady of Belize Rural North was invited just a few minutes ago to come into that meeting and the Chairman reported to them on the decision taken by the Party and we are now at the point where we will convene a meeting in Belize Rural North to begin the process of selecting a new Standard Bearer for Belize Rural North. I will just add that obviously this was not an easy decision for any of us. It is never easy for anyone to sit in judgment, if you like, of any colleague of theirs. So it was not an easy decision. It was not a decision taken lightly. We considered it very seriously, very cautiously, very deliberately but at the end of the day I believed and I was supported in that view by the members of the National Executive that it was both in the best interests of the People’s United Party, and I also believe in the best interests of Mr. Saldivar, that at this time he not be involved in Party politics and certainly not be a Standard Bearer for the People’s United Party.”
Reporter
Arthur Saldivar
“His executive has indicated that they will stand behind him all the way. What would be the process then that the Party would take in appointing a new Executive if that be the case?”
Francis Fonseca
“Well as I just stated the Party Chairman will go into Belize Rural North. He will meet with the existing committee. They will indicate what they intend to do as a committee. That is yet to be seen. You are speculating that that will be their position. That may have been their position up to this point. We have reported to the findings and conclusion and decision of the National Executive. If that remains their position – we certainly hope that that is not their position, but if that remains their position, then the Party has a process under the constitution under which we formulate a committee.”
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