A week ago they were voted into office with a convincing majority at
the polls and today the new Belize City Council was inaugurated. It was without
the history and genuine excitement of their first inauguration three years ago,
but two government Ministers, a couple ambassadors, and a good number of supporters
turned out to usher in what the UDP hopes will be a new era of leadership under
the once embattled but now re-elected Mayor Zenaida Moya. Keith Swift was there
and has the story.
Keith Swift Reporting,
Each neatly dressed in varying shades and styles of red, this evening Mayor
elect Zenaida Moya and the ten elected Councillors filed out of city hall and
onto the big stage on North Front Street for their formal inauguration into
office.
Mayor Zenaida Moya, Taking Oath
“I Zenaida Victoria Moya duly elected as a member of the Belize City
Council do solemnly swear that I shall at all times to the best of my ability, 
exercise the powers and perform the duties of my office in the best interest
of the residents of Belize City in accordance with constitution, laws, and regulations
of Belize and Belize City so help me God.”
And following Mayor Zenaida, the ten Belize City councillors – five of
them returning and the other five new – repeated the oath. Mayor Zenaida
Moya says the air of celebration this afternoon was because it was a hard fought
battle which she won.
Mayor Zenaida Moya,
“I feel like a five star general who has faced the full blast of the
critics of our United Democratic Party and the critics of Zenaida Moya. And
through all of it, I feel like a champion with only political scars and not
loss of limbs.”
And while that’s a good political speech, Moya concedes there is work
ahead for her new council.
Mayor Zenaida Moya,
“Definitely the financial situation is one whereby we have to ensure
that we deal with new revenue streams and we beef up the collection efforts,
not adding anything new, no new taxes or anything but just ensuring that whatever
is to be collected is collected so we can get more work done. So that is definitely
one of the key areas we want to ensure. We want to put in place in terms of
the garbage collection, we want to ensure that the city new amendment to the
trade license, that in fact we work with the respective business owners to once
and for all put in place a mechanism to have a smooth picking up or collection
of the garbage. And definitely I would also say that in terms of overall services
to the residents of Belize City, we definitely want to move to an even higher
level.”
And to make sure they do, Minister of Local Government Gabriel Martinez warned
that big brother in Belmopan will be watching.
Hon. Gabriel Martinez, Minister of Local Government
“As a collective unit will be a review of the annual plans in relation
to local revenue projections to ensure that you will be able to meet your goals
and objectives. Councils, not just Belize City, need to make realistic and achievable
plans of activities for the year and determine appropriate revenue sources to
improve financial sustenance. Making these plans is one thing, living within
them is another. However the council must have the resolve and will to do just
that.”
Mayor Zenaida Moya,
“I feel that there are certain improvements that will be made so I
don’t think we need to move to that level however if at anytime there
is a need to get further institutional strengthening, I certainly will welcome
it.”
Keith Swift,
The Prime Minister has however stated that it isn’t a matter of if you
need the help, you will get the help.
Mayor Zenaida Moya,
“Well again that is something that will have to be discussed and the
Minister of Local Government brought it up and again he reiterated that it is
only something that will be necessary only if it is absolutely necessary.”
Prime Minister Dean Barrow who spoke at the first inauguration three
years ago was noticeably absent. As the Chairman of CARICOM, Barrow is attending
preliminary meetings related to the 20th intercessional meetings which will
open tomorrow. And if you are wondering what will be the portfolio assignments
– those will be decided at the council’s first meeting later this
week or early next week. The Deputy Mayor will also be elected at that meeting.
Again the councillors newly sworn in today are Erick Chang, Andrew
Faber, Laura Esquivel, Dion Leslie, Leila Peyrefitte, Kevin Singh, Dean Samuels,
Wayne Usher, and Phillip Willoughby, and Roger Espejo. Five of them are returning
councillors and the other five are first termers.
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