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Last night, Mayor Darrell Bradley made it clear that contrary to what councillor Phillip Willoughby told us last week - the Council has no property tax forgiveness program in place for the indigent.  This is after the council members - who are all supporting Dion Leslie for Mayor -  felt that Willoughby had made a unilateral declaration that wasn't backed up by any council resolution.  So they mayor said in no uncertain terms that there is no policy of property tax forgiveness - but today Willoughby asked for an opportunity to respond.  He said it’s not a matter of policy; it’s the law.  Here’s how he put it:…

Phillip Willoughby - City Councillor
"I didn't just out of the blue research this particular town and property tax from the substantive law of Belize revised edition 2000. When I brought this to the floor it was because one Ms. Gertell Idolly Davis from 26 Antelope Street has received summons to go to the municipal court in relation to her taxes. Now I believe given the gravity of the situation, Ms. Davis cannot see, she cannot walk, she cannot hear, she cannot speak and she is receiving summons, she's abroad seeking medical attention; this lady can't even get off her bed that's on scenario. How is then that we as the council be it myself or any other councillor including the mayor and deputy mayor cannot say if they meet someone that fits within the law and it is specific to the letter then why not then apply the law? If we find that the law is applicable then we as the council have a responsibility within the law to assist those residence or property owners who cannot pay as long as they fall within the law. Like I said I don't want no back and forth in relation to this because we are helping those who cannot help themselves and who needs the assistance. I believe that some of these taxes the council will not be able to collect. Yes, we know the council needs to collect its revenue but if it an uncollectible receivable why do we stress the resident with summons to go to court and that type of thing if we have the information."

Reporter
"You're saying that the residence have to apply in order to be deemed forgiveness of the property tax, I just can't get it like that?"

Phillip Willoughby
"No and this is why I said and this is why I came to the media to say to the public or whichever municipal or jurisdiction you are in, the law applies within our jurisdiction, the country of Belize. To say to you if you fall within the law then it here for you."