Philip Willoughby Addresses Mayoral Candidacy; Albert Rep Supports Opponent
Just now you heard Willoughby on the garbage in Ghost Town and the cleanup efforts. Today while the City Councilor was out, he was questioned whether his appearance was a part of his mayoral campaign. Willoughby shut down that speculation quickly and says that he is simply doing his duties. He went on to say that he has offered himself for city mayor and he hopes that he gets the support based on his own merits. But he also went on record seeking the support of Albert area rep Tracy Panton, for whom he had withdrawn to make way for in the 2015 general elections. But no sooner had Willoughby spoken that his mayoral opponent, Dion Leslie, posted on his Facebook account that he had been endorsed by Panton. Here’s that interview.
Philip Willoughby
Philip Willoughby, Councilor, Belize City Council
“I wah say this loud – Ramsey, I come ask any ah unu fi vote fi me or tell any ah unu I di run fi Mayor? My work speaks for itself.”
Reporter
“But it is implied, though– you dah wah politician?”
Philip Willoughby
“My hope is that God willing and when people see my name they recognize my tenure at city hall since 2006; the work we have put in collectively with the media and you seen me administrate over projects in excess of ten million dollars; the flood mitigation one project; you have seen us work with the downtown project; with the transfer station; administration; running hurricane and taking care of disasters is my forte. It is every morning at five a.m. getting on the ground around the city and doing what needs to be done.”
Reporter
“You still sound like you di campaign, though?”
Philip Willoughby
“I am telling you what you see. I am telling you what the entire country sees.”
Reporter
“Is it your understanding that only you and Mister Leslie have put in your names for Mayor and the current two term mayor, Bradley, may not be offering himself in a U.D.P. convention?”
Philip Willoughby
“I can’t answer none of those questions. I didn’t see Mister Leslie’s application and wasn’t at the secretariat when he handed it in and no one from the UDP secretariat has said to me that he has applied – so I will be speaking blindly. If he has done so, then he would be my opponent once we pass the vetting and the party accepts the application.”
Reporter
“…and then Mayor Bradley?”
Philip Willoughby
“If he seeks to return to office then there are some considerations that need to be had, but ultimately the people will decide that fate. I hope that they see it as a reciprocal relationship that I supported and work tirelessly for Minister Tracey Taegar Panton and I am not saying that it is mandatory; I am not saying she should but I humbly ask for her support and I believe it should be reciprocated – that is fair play – but it if it is not, then the people of Albert will then decide that; but then how do you go to the people in Albert and say not support Philip Willoughby, that is rather a difficult job to do.”
