Mayor Wagner Discusses Eternal Gardens Contract

There has been some controversy at City Hall regarding the purported awarding of a contract to Cattouse Trucking for the expansion of the Eternal Garden Cemetery at mile thirteen on the George Price Highway.  The councilor whose responsibility includes cemeteries, has come forward to voice his objection in other parts of the media.  While we were told that the motion had to be presented at caucus for a decision to be taken on the awarding of the contract, the matter was never tabled during Thursday’s meeting.  Nonetheless, we asked Mayor Wagner about the situation involving a company belonging to Councilor Kaya Cattouse’s father.

Bernard Wagner

Bernard Wagner, Mayor, Belize City Council

“In respect to the issue with Eternal Gardens, that was not tabled either, but in my view, the council will always lean towards the bid that has the more affordable price.  Even though there has been this aspersion that there’s a conflict of interest with Councilor Cattouse, I do believe that there are provisions in the act which speaks to those individuals recusing themselves from the vote.  So it gives you that opportunity, but at the end of the day, my biggest thing is about pricing.  We are not a rich council and if I can save, be it fifty cents or…, I will always lean to the more affordable pricing for the council.  But again, that motion was never tabled yesterday.”