By Belize Live News Staff: After days of public outrage, PUP candidate Alex Balona has issued an apology for mocking a journalist’s speech impediment during a campaign rally in San Antonio Village.
In a statement posted on Facebook, Balona said he “deeply regrets” his actions and extended his apologies to Kent “Pandy” Pandy and others living with disabilities. “We are all creations of God, and each of us is unique in His eyes,” he wrote.
The apology comes after widespread backlash, with many calling his actions disrespectful and unprofessional. The viral video of the incident showed Balona imitating Pandy’s stutter in front of a cheering crowd, leading to calls for him to take responsibility.
The controversy follows another resurfaced video from the 2020 elections, where Balona was caught spitting at his opponent, a moment he later blamed on a fly flying into his mouth.
While some supporters have accepted the apology, others believe it is a last-minute attempt at damage control as the March 12 election draws closer. The question remains: Will voters forgive and forget, or will this incident hurt his chances at the polls?
