A Third Term for Mayor Wagner and the Belize City Council

This morning, a new Belize City Council led by Mayor Bernard Wagner was sworn in for another three-year term at City Hall.  The event was bittersweet as the People’s United Party and the Belize City Council continues to mourn the loss of city administrator Stephanie Lindo.  Earlier today, the P.U.P., as well as ten councilors and Mayor Wagner gathered at the Caribbean Motors Showroom for the swearing-in ceremony.  News Five’s Isani Cayetano reports.

 

Bernard Wagner, Belize City Mayor

“I, Bernard Wagner, being 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 the constitution, laws and regulations of Belize and of Belize City.  So help me, God.”

 

The symbolic transition of power from one administration to another is a significant event in local government.  The swearing-in ceremony marks the official transfer of control and influence from the outgoing Belize City Council to the members who are newly elected.  This morning, a new municipal government led by returning Mayor Bernard Wagner, swore an oath of office.

 

Bernard Wagner

“This third consecutive swearing-in as mayor is an immeasurable honor.  My gratitude and my promise to remain a faithful mayor are equally overpowering.  At this moment, our team is fueled by a surge of triumph and overwhelming public support, yet our heart aches at the loss of our beloved city administrator, Mrs. Stephanie Lindo. We have proven time and time again that we are capable of overcoming adversity and we remain steadfast in our commitment to serving the residents of Belize City.  Together, we will persevere once again and make strides towards a brighter future for our community, keeping her legacy alive every step of the way.”

 

Taking the oath of office gives legal legitimacy to the elected officials.  It also confirms their authority to make decisions, enact laws, and represent the community.

Henry Charles Usher, P.U.P. Chairman

“Today, we are swearing in our Belize City Council for the term 2024/2027.  Election campaigns, those times are over.  It is time to get to work and our team, the team you see assembled here is a fusion of so many talented individuals.  As chairman, I am proud of all of you and I thank you and your families for the sacrifices that you have made and for the sacrifices that you still need to make.  Today, we have 3-peaters, Mayor, Allan and Javier.  Someway, somehow, Javier is always there, isn’t he.  Yoh can’t put down Gold Dust, bwai.  So we have the 3-peaters, Mayor, Allan and Javier.  We have the repeaters: Kaya, Stephanne and Edmund, and we have the new seaters: Malcolm, Dorian, Eluide and Sherwin.  Congratulations and a big round of applause for all of them.”

 

The order of business upon returning to City Hall next week is to tackle the existing drainage situation across the Old Capital.  Mayor Wagner and his team are committed to completing these essential projects.

 

Bernard Wagner

“Di biggest projects da di drains.  Drains, drains, drains.  That has been the call on the streets in Belize City, that people want the drains to be really shaped up, maintained, have them connected to the canals and the river to the sea.  If we can get that sort of drainage down, we would be in a much better position given that in the next three to four months we face the hurricane season.  So that will be priority number one to really get into drains and maintenance.”

 

By reciting the oath, officials publicly commit to fulfilling their duties and responsibilities.  It serves as a reminder of their obligation to serve the public interest.  The swearing-in is a crucial moment that establishes the foundation for effective governance and public service.

 

Prime Minister John Briceño

“Now we could celebrate this victory, a historic victory by numbers probably hardly ever seen in the political scene and everybody, anybody, would love to have that kind of affirmation of support from your voters.  But with that kind of margin of support, of love comes great responsibility.  For those that get a lot, a lot is expected from them.  That means that people are going to stop you on the street and they are going to talk to you about their streets or they’re going to talk to you about their garbage or about some club di mek too much noise or the drain noh di work or di park need fi fix and it’s so easy to say, you know what, right now da noh office hours.”

 

Today brought together community members, leaders and stakeholders and fostered a sense of unity and shared purpose.  It also provides insight into CitCo’s intended policies and initiatives. Isani Cayetano for News Five.