3 weeks ago
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Deputy Prime Minister Cordel Hyde has issued a stern warning to his Cabinet colleagues, telling them to straighten up, remain disciplined and not take their positions or the Belizean people for granted. Hyde delivered the message during his address at the People’s United Party’s National Party Council meeting in Dangriga on Saturday. The PUP Deputy Leader cautioned that political office can sometimes cause elected representatives to become carried away by influence, authority and the privileges that come with holding public office. Drawing from his years in politics, Hyde reminded his colleagues that serving in government is a responsibility entrusted to them by the people, and not something to be treated as an entitlement. He warned that youthful mistakes, poor judgment and complacency can have serious consequences when leaders lose sight of the standards expected of them.
Cordel Hyde, Deputy Party Leader, PUP: “We can’t take things for granted because it’s easy to get carried away you know ? When PUP loses it’s nobody that beat us, we beat ourselves. We got carried away. We started “kicksi” ourselves. It’s us that started to make mistakes. It’s us that started to get carried away and stared to quarrel with one another and want to fight with one another and want to tear each other apart. We get caught up. We get carried away. And I understand you will get carried away because I used to be a young man too. I used to be a young man. But we are not a young party. We are the grandest, greatest, oldest party. We shouldn’t be making youthful mistakes. We have to stay focused. They say keep the main thing them main thing and the main thing is the people. The main thing is the work. Vast majority of our candidates need the party to be strong for us. So we that are sure we will win can’t carry that way and “kicksi” ourselves. We have to help one another. We have to take care of one another. We have to make sure that the party is strong because you know what will happen right ? Eight, nine, ten of us will win and then on the other side you have everybody else. That is not a good feeling. I know you don’t want to head there. Because your ego like that idea that only a few of us win. You are one of the few that won. But that is not a good feeling I can guarantee you that because I’ve been there, done that. 2008 how many of us won Prime Minister ? Six of us ? Six of us won and all of our people lost everything. All of our people lost their jobs. They took away the land that we gave them. They can’t get their house. They can’t send their children to school. They can’t get healthcare because they are PUP. So we have a responsibility to make sure that we win so that PUPs can be alright. But this is the point, let us not do anything to make our party weak. And let us do everything to make our party strong. Let us put ourselves last and put our country first.”
Hyde’s comments come as the PUP prepares for the next municipal elections and works to maintain party unity while in government. His message was aimed particularly at younger politicians and party representatives, whom he urged to stay connected to the people and to approach their work with humility and accountability. But while offering that warning, Hyde also expressed confidence in the party’s political strength in several parts of the country. The Deputy Prime Minister said there are constituencies where the PUP remains firmly rooted and where he believes the party’s electoral position is secure.
Cordel Hyde, Deputy Party Leader, PUP: “Some of us will win no matter what you know ? Some of us will win whether the party is strong or not you know ? You know the Prime Minister will win no matter what right ? Henry Charles will win no matter what. Francis will win no matter what. Julius will win no matter what. Kareem will win no matter what. Oscar Requena will win no matter what. There’s a handful of people that are going to win no matter what. But the vast majority of our area representatives and standard bearers need the party to be strong. Need the party. How could I forget Mr.Mahler ? Mr. Mahler will win, nobody will even run against him. Nobody will even run against him. Osmond will win no matter what. Those men are winning by 90% I don’t now what is going on with them, and just come too.”
Cordel Hyde’s address formed part of the wider NPC meeting where the Prime Minister delivered the keynote address and where resolutions were ratified yesterday in Dangriga.
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