Mennonites in Belize Government

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  Except for Elvin Penner and Cornelius Dueck, no other Mennonite has been directly involved in the Belizean government. Actually only Elvin Penner served within the Cabinet. Cornie Dueck created his own independent party with himself as candidate for Prime Minister, but after he lost his party quickly disintegrated.
  Elvin Penner served one term in office as a member of the UDP cabinet. He represented the north west area of the Cayo district and was head of the immigration department. It was during the beginning of his second term that he was involved in a false passport scandal and was fired. He is now just a quiet business man. He is married to a woman of mixed descent and has several children.

   Cornie Dueck was already a very interesting character before he became involved in politics. More than just a businessman, he is a preacher, pastor, self-proclaimed prophet, constable, and justice of the peace. He once declared that in the name of Jesus he could shoot a criminal; it was for the good of Christian citizens and therefore a kindness to the country. As a prophet he claimed he could raise a dead Christian back to life if the relatives had enough faith in God to believe it could be done; he claimed God had called him to be Prime Minister, so nothing could stand on his path to power. He lost the elections.
   His followers to a certain extent were so focused on him that the group began resembling a cult. On certain days he and some members would pour a special oil on public crossroads to ward off evil spirits. Eventually his group scattered, leaving him practically alone with his religion. He still talks and discusses spiritual matters with whoever wants to listen. He is married to a Hispanic woman.

    Other Mennonites have not made any attempts yet at being in the government.

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