Darrell Bradley is Mayor No More; His Final Bow at City Hall

The end of the mayorship of Darrell Bradley came today. At a ceremony this afternoon, Bradley handed over the responsibility of the city to Administrator Candice Miller. The act ends his six-year tenure at City Hall which is now in transition until a new council is elected and takes office following next Wednesday’s elections.  Bradley says he leaves the city in a better way than he found it, having embarked on a massive infrastructure initiative across the Old Capital. News Five’s Isani Cayetano has the following report.  

Darrell Bradley

Darrell Bradley, Former Belize City Mayor

“Six years later, in accordance with the rule of law, I am obligated on the last day of February on the third anniversary of our election to give up that mandate.  And so I will hand back the mandate given to me by the city to our city administrator.”

Isani Cayetano, Reporting

Mayor Darrell Bradley bade farewell to City Hall this afternoon, formally bringing to an end two consecutive terms of civic leadership.  His stepping down from office today comes a week before the next municipal elections.  As such, the Belize City Council has also been ceremoniously dissolved, the reins being handed over to City Administrator Candice Miller on an interim basis.

Candice Miller

Candice Miller, City Administrator

“Let me just take this opportunity to say councilors, mayor, it has been an honor to work with you all for the last seven years.  I want to present this plaque; it says the management and staff of the Belize City Council extends its heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to Mayor Darrell Bradley for exemplary services, dedication and allegiance to Belize City and its residents.  2012-2018. Mayor, Councilor Theus, we wish you all the best as you move on.”

Recognizing the work of his administration, the retiring head of local government took time to acknowledge his councilors, as well as the team at City Hall.

Darrell Bradley

“Councilor Michael Theus, Councilor Dr. Alaine Gonzalez, Councilor Jason Edwards, Councilor Phillip Willoughby, Councilor Kevin Singh, Councilor Hyacinth Latchman-Cuellar… Councilor Phillip ‘Superman’ Willoughby.”

Mayor Bradley’s departure comes with a sober reflection, one that takes him back to 2012.

Darrell Bradley

“When I was running for Office of Mayor, people indicated to me, “do not do that, you will kill your political career.  That institution is rife with corruption and it will be the end of you.”  And I can say unreservedly that six years later I am so very impressed with the men and women who served in this city council, people who gave their all to ensure that our city runs and our city advances and progresses.”

Reporting for News Five, I am Isani Cayetano.