P.U.P. Draws Massive Support on Nomination Day

Across the country today, thousands of voters and supporters of the various political organizations paraded through the streets of their cities and towns to usher they candidates of choice to be nominated.  In Belize City, Belmopan, and Orange Walk, much like in San Pedro and other parts of the Jewel, the spirit was festive, as motorcades and processions kept the mood energized.  Tonight’s newscast is a look at the sight and sounds, as well as the campaigns leading up to March sixth.

 

Isani Cayetano, Reporting

Today is significant for politicians, seasoned and novice, because it marks the formal process of being selected as a candidate for a political party.  It is also the first step in the election cycle where politicians are officially recognized and supported by their respective organizations to run for office.

 

Bernard Wagner, Mayor Candidate, P.U.P.

“Nomination Day is always an exciting time for the party machinery, being able to galvanize the number of people we saw out there this morning.  Essentially, the horses are now at the gate and we have to dig in deeper as a team.”

 

It is crucial because it validates the eligibility and readiness for the slate to move advance to the municipal elections on March sixth.  It also signals to voters and other politicians that these candidates are the official choice of the People’s United Party.

 

Kareem Musa, Area Rep, Caribbean Shores

“It’s an exciting time.  I know that the people of Caribbean Shores are waiting for March sixth to deliver another victory for Mayor Bernard Wagner and his team and I think I speak not only for myself, but my predecessor, Santi Castillo, and it’s not often that you get two candidates, the predecessor and the current candidate endorsing a mayoral candidate like Mr. Wagner and so I think that speaks volumes of his integrity as a mayor and the hard work he has put in.”

 

Nomination Day is one for celebration and commitment, as it sets the stage for the approaching electoral contest.  Today, the incumbent administration, led by Mayor Bernard Wagner, shored up the support of as many voters from across Belize City.  It began with a procession from Independence Hall, the seat of the People’s United Party, and made its way to ITVET where all councilor candidates, as well as the two-time mayor, made their formal application.

 

Allan Pollard, Councilor Candidate, P.U.P.

“I’m feeling good, and I am amped up.  With that crowd today and I was feeling the vibes of the residents of the city was a good way to get here.  You know, I just feel blessed, in general, just to wake up and to have the opportunity to run on the slate again, this is my third municipal election so I’m pretty hyped, I’m pretty hyped.”

 

Isani Cayetano

“What’s different about this time around for you?”

 

Allan Pollard

“What’s different?  For me, it’s like we have a lot of new candidates in it.  I think now, for me when I was just coming in, it was sort of a newcomer type.  So right now I feel a little bit of nostalgia and also being more senior to it.  It’s just a different role now.  So that’s kind of the contrast there.”

 

This is Bernard Wagner’s third bid for the highest seat at City Hall.  Is he poised for another victory at the polls?

 

Bernard Wagner

“I never want to say that you are overconfident, you always want to maintain humility throughout the whole process and ensure that you do what you need to do as a team, as a party, as a machinery and let the other chips fall in place.”

 

Isani Cayetano

“With that said, how satisfied are you with the work that you’ve been able to accomplish in office over the past three years?”

 

Bernard Wagner

“I am so amazed at this team and the resiliency of this team.  I always stress it, the perseverance and the tenacity of the team, the six years that I’ve been there.  We have really faced some tremendous crisis.”

 

With those challenges, including the setbacks caused by the COVID-19 pandemic behind it, the People’s United Party is once again ready to lead the residents of the Old Capital into the next three years.

 

Allan Pollard

“I think the residents have received us well.  They are excited for the election and of course they have seen the work that we have been doing over time.  So, for them, they are excited to go to the polls just as we are.”

 

Isani Cayetano for News Five.