New City Council sworn in
After their win at the polls on Wednesday, the new P.U.P. City Council was sworn in today and is ready to get down to business. Hyacinth Latchman was at City Hall for the ceremony.
David Fonseca, Mayor
“I, William David Fonseca do being duly elected as a member of the Belize City Council do solemnly swear that I shall at all times, to the best of my ability, exercise the powers and perform the duties of my office in the best interest of the residents of Belize City.”
The City Hall was packed this morning with family, friends and supporters of the newly elected City Council. The first directly elected Mayor told us how he felt when he learned he would be serving the people of Belize City for the next four years.
David Fonseca
“It was a great one. It was great to know that the citizens of Belize have that trust and confidence in me to run the city for the next four years.
The responsibilities and the authority will be expanding more into the areas where it affects the city, like in the public health area what should have been passed onto the council some years ago. Which has a great impact on the city right now where our hands are still tied right, because somethings are still under public health and we have to get that changed so that the City Council will have the authority to deal with these problems.”
Newcomer Yasmin Shoman says that being a councilor will be one of her greatest achievements yet.
Yasmin Shoman, Councilor
“I feel very privileged first of all that the people put their confidence in me. Nowadays people aren’t really paying attention to your age; they are looking to your qualifications. If they think you have the heart and the desire to do it; if they think that if you are capable and I plan to do my best as I have always said. Work hard for the people!”
We were also told today that councilors Marshall Nuñez and Merilyn Young will be contesting the seat of Deputy Mayor next week. Nuñez says that by giving him the most votes he feels that the residents of Belize City were simply thanking him for a job well done.
Marshall Nuñez, Councilor
“I am offering myself as Deputy Mayor. I think the endorsement kind of substantiates that feeling. And I am offering myself and that will be done sometime next week. But if it’s so I will do all the necessary work I can do to ensure that this city gets the best possible services from the council.”
Hyacinth Latchman for News Five.
The People’s United Party captured almost sixty percent of the votes cast on Wednesday. The Elections and Boundaries Commission says a little over fifty-seven percent of those registered to vote went to the polls.
