Mayor Wagner Addresses OMG Café Confrontation

Mayor Bernard Wagner has addressed the criticisms that the Belize City Council is trying to oppress small businesses. The backlash came after traffic and police officers were sent to remove a business banner belonging to OMG Café, which is located on the first floor of the City Hall building. The owners went live on Facebook during the removal, and the video quickly went viral, with many comments accusing the council of unfair treatment. Today, Mayor Wagner clarified the situation and explained the agreement the council has with businesses that use their space.

 

Bernard Wagner, Mayor, Belize City

“Belize City Council is the council that has been the greatest supporter of small businesses. So, when I hear those comments, it is nonsense. We have created the sort of platform that has driven small business. We were the leaders in entrepreneurship, in developing entrepreneurship in Belize City. Just the mere fact that we have this super sale where we don’t charge any of those vendors, just a small fee to get a small space. But we create all the marketing in of that event. We created all the entertainment for that event. Sow e are glad when small businesses are able to thrive in the city, local economic development is one of our pillars at City Hall. So, that is nonsense. We continue to push for entrepreneurship, but you must have some measure of control in your spaces. I don’t think it is anything ridiculous we are asking from our vendors. The vendors signed a lease agreement, and the agreement states that we don’t want any kind of advertisement that does not meet up to the standard of the City Hall. So, I have been telling those vendors in the lower flat that we will create some kind of marketing mechanism, a really professional standard directory where it will be lit up at night and shows who all the vendors in that facility. But it takes time and you have to be patient in all you do. There is no need for this big commotion being created that we can sit around a table and come to a conclusion.”

 

Reporter

“The sign is still there.”

 

Bernard Wagner

“So, they are not complying with our request and that is not nice.”