7 News Belize

Election Elation For The Blue At City Hall
posted (March 14, 2018)
Election elation - that's what PUP supporters were feeling in Belize City today when the first PUP City Council in 12 years was sworn in. It was a street festival for the party faithful who gathered on North Front Street in front of City Hall to celebrate what seemed an unlikely victory one week ago. Jules Vasquez was there:

Jules Vasquez reporting
With 2006's winning and losing mayoral candidates side by side in the front row - it was a pointed reminder that the last time the PUP flags draped city hall was 12 years ago.

But today it was all beaming smiles for the PUP 11 - still pinching themselves at the upset they pulled off in the UDP's power base:

Micah Goodin, PUP Councillor
"The last time PUP won an election I was only 12 years old. I don't know what victory feel like. I still can't believe I win."

But today's festive show in front of their supporters made it real as they symbolically swept out the UDP who had been here for 12 years.

A few hundred of these same voters came out today to share in the victory - but they were also looking to the stage with expectations:

Dr. Candice Pitts, Topped the Polls
"I will be one of the consciences of this council. I will be a constant reminder to them of the compact that we made among ourselves, to carry out the George Price legacy of 'serving the people,' honesty, transparently and humbly."

Allan Pollard, PUP Councillor
"We will guarantee that we will operate with integrity, honesty and fairness. When I say fairness I mean the big time business owner and the man who sells plantain chips and the corn lady will be treated the same."

The burden is greatest on the mayor, who was eagerly congratulated today - but didn't mince words when he described what they are getting into:

Bernard Wagner, Mayor - Belize City
"This council inherits an operation that is mired in 30 million dollars in debt. One that is saddled with several misguided management contracts totally close to 1.2 million dollars. Many of which was signed at the 11th hour by the previous administration whose the sole intention was to appeased their political appointed subjects. We cannot be distracted. Yes we can already see that we are inheriting an institution that some my may very well call "a hotbed of corruption.""

But, these supporters didn't want to hear all that today.

Bernard Wagner, Mayor - Belize City
"You want solutions, you don't want to hear no crying, you don't want to hear oh this was happening before, you want us to show a better way - a better way forward."

And Wagner hit a triumphant note when pointing the way forward:

Bernard Wagner, Mayor - Belize City
"We are committed to building a city of neighborhoods that care. A city where you look out for your neighbor. A city of learning, a city of healing, a city of courage and creativity, a city of heart, a city of hope, a city reborn. That's the Belize City I grew up in. That is the city we can build together. A city is all about the people."

Now the PUP leadership has to maintain the momentum in a city they feel has already tipped in favour of the PUP - emboldening the Leader of the Opposition:

Hon. John Briceno, PUP Leader
"As the Prime Minister said, he said he likes a good fight, well bring it Prime Minister."

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