Infrastrucural projects awarded to Orange Walk, Punta Gorda and Dangriga, but projects to be controlled by the UDP

Gilbert Swaso

The Opposition People’s United Party controls three municipalities – Orange Walk, Dangriga and Punta Gorda. All three municipalities will be benefitting from some infrastructural works as part of a recent program announced by Prime Minister Dean Barrow. But while any improvement should theoretically be a good thing, none of the three representatives are jumping for joy. For one thing, they claim that the money allocated doesn’t amount to a drop in the bucket. While that’s bad enough, two of the three PUP Mayors have been informed that the infrastructure works will be coordinated by UDP caretakers in their areas. And there’s even more bad news. The coming works will provide employment to residents, but those workers will be chosen by the UDP man in charge of the project. All three Mayors are fighting mad.

Gilbert Swaso, Mayor, Dangriga Town

“He also stated that he will select an executive outside of the town council, his man as he said to over the street works and to employ his people. Indicating in my humble view, the U.D.P. members and associates to be the work force. This executive he said will be his man, Papa Mena, The work force as I indicated earlier as I said will be his people because it is his money.”

Anthony Fuentes, Mayor, Punta Gorda Town

Anthony Fuentes

“The Prime Minister also mentioned that the town council will only get ten percent to employ ten person of the total and his person form the other party namely, Mr. Martinez to get the rest of the employees, That means that the Punta Gorda Town Council like the Dangriga Town Council has been disrespected as the duly elcted body in PG because if they get 50 individual to work, the town council will only get 5 persons and the unelected person will get to name 45 employees.”

Kevin Bernard

Kevin Bernard, Mayor, Orange Walk Town

“Millions of dollars will be disbursed country wide for immediate remedial work and for infrastructural projects. But while we are grateful for any infrastructural work which will bring any measure of relief to resident anywhere. We are concerned about the allocation of monies and the prioritization of damages and I can say that we are very concerned. For example we look at monies to be disbursed for immediate remedial work; 2.269 million and can’t help but notice that the 3 municipalities administered by the opposition are each receiving much less than a quarter of the allocation to the other ministers, this is total nonsense.”