Aikman resigns as City Manager

As promised in his public homecoming yesterday, political aspirant Derek Aikman has tendered his resignation to the Belize City Council… although not in writing. Aikman was appointed City Manager in 1994 when political pressure from Minister of Local Government Hubert Elrington propelled him ahead of other candidates deemed better qualified by a selection committee. Aikman’s resignation will be effective following the completion of an as yet undetermined period of vacation leave that begins on Monday. According to Mayor Jose Coye the appointment of a new city manager will probably await the completion of the upcoming general elections. Until that time the city manager’s duties will be shared between the mayor and several city councilors. In related news sources close to the U.D.P. tell News Five that the question of which constituency Aikman will run in is definitely an open one. While high party officials want him in Fort George to at least tie down Party Leader Said Musa, Aikman himself is said to be holding out for Albert, a constituency closer to his roots in the N.A.B.R., and one which he believes he has a better chance of winning. Freetown is now seen as a compromise selection. The choice will be announced at a U.D.P. public meeting on Wednesday night.