By Belize Live News Staff: Former UDP standard bearer for Belmopan, John Saldivar, has announced he is stepping away from the internal caretaker selection process, calling it illegitimate, and is endorsing Mrs. Louise Willis as the candidate best suited to lead the constituency forward.
In a strongly worded message to supporters, Saldivar said the UDP is “in shambles” and accused party leadership of running an unconstitutional process by only calling for caretaker nominations in 18 out of 26 constituencies. He argued that all constituencies that failed to win in the last general election should have been included in conventions, not just a select few.
Saldivar confirmed that he submitted his name despite objecting to the flawed process but said it was rejected “unceremoniously and unconstitutionally.” Rather than fueling further division within the party, he said he would now stand behind Louise Willis, describing her as the strongest and most honest option among the four approved candidates.
According to Saldivar, Mrs. Willis is deeply rooted in the Belmopan UDP, having served the community for decades—including two terms as Councillor and a term as Deputy Mayor. A retired senior police officer, she is also known as a dedicated community servant. Saldivar emphasized her unwavering commitment, integrity, and humility, saying she has no personal agenda and embodies the kind of leadership the people have been demanding.
“She is the fresh face that people have been clamoring for,” he said, urging UDP supporters in Belmopan to rally around her as the party works to rebuild from within.
