Incumbents Defend Turf as Municipal Campaign Heats Up

The fight for control of Belize’s municipalities is officially on. Seven sitting mayors are seeking another term, while voters in Belize City and Punta Gorda will usher in new leadership. With the slates now confirmed, the battle lines are drawn across the country. News Five’s Shane Williams breaks down the mayoral matchups.

 

Shane Williams, Reporting

Eighteen candidates. Nine municipalities. And two political parties fighting for control at the local level.

 

The People’s United Party and the United Democratic Party have rolled out their complete municipal teams, setting the stage for a nationwide showdown on March third. In Benque Viejo del Carmen, PUP Mayor Jorge Rosalez is defending his seat against the UDP’s Yusef Guerra. The race unfolds in a constituency held by the Opposition, giving the UDP added incentive to reclaim the town hall.

 

Jorge Rosalez, Benque Mayoral Candidate, PUP

“We are delivering with the seven magnificent in Benque Viejo Del Carmen, the best of the west.”

 

Yusef Guerra, Benque Mayoral Candidate, UDP

“As I enter this journey, there are several areas that I believe deserve serious attention in Benque Viejo.”

 

In the twin towns, experience goes up against a fresh challenge. Earl Trapp, Belize’s longest-serving mayor, is seeking another term for the UDP. Standing in his way is PUP challenger Aaron Mai.

 

Earl Trapp, San Ignacio-Santa Elena Mayoral Candidate, UDP

“I remain committed to the work of serving the people of San Ignacio/Santa Elena, with integrity, accountability, and a genuine desire to continue to improve the quality of life within the twin towns.”

 

Aaron Mai, SI/SE Mayoral Candidate, PUP

“A very historic moment in the twin towns. All eyes on San Ignacio and Santa Elena.”

 

In Belmopan, Mayor Pablo Cawich is keeping his entire 2024 team together as he seeks re-election. UDP challenger Richie Galvez, however, is betting that grassroots support can overcome the PUP’s political and financial advantage.

 

Pablo Cawich, Belmopan Mayoral Candidate, PUP

“The team you see before you today is the exact team that ran on the 2024 ticket.”

 

Richie Galvez, UDP Mayoral Candidate, Belmopan

“They have the millions, but we have the love of the common people.”

 

Out on Ambergris Caye, Wally Nunez wants another term as San Pedro mayor. His UDP opponent, Joseph Elijio, says leadership must deliver more than a title.

 

Wally Nunez, San Pedro Mayoral Candidate, PUP

“I can assure you all that San Pedro is ready to go blue once again.”

 

Joseph Elijio, San Pedro Mayoral Candidate, UDP

“Leadership is not just about holding a title. It’s also not simply about holding a position. Leadership comes with responsibility.”

 

In Corozal Town, undefeated Mayor Rigo Vellos is chasing a fourth victory. UDP candidate Roberto Lopez hopes to end that winning streak by campaigning on cooperation and a better future for the town.

 

Rigo Vellos, Corozal Mayoral Candidate, PUP

“I want you to hear that very loudly and clearly, still undefeated, and when March comes, we will stay undefeated.”

 

Roberto Lopez, Corozal Mayoral Candidate, UDP

“If we want to better our future for our town, we must be willing to work for it together.”

 

The Orange Walk contest pits continuity against change. Incumbent Ladrick “Mad Bull” Sheppard says his team’s work speaks for itself, while UDP challenger Leonard Carballo is promising fresh energy and practical solutions.

 

Ladrick “Mad Bull” Sheppard, Orange Walk Mayoral Candidate, PUP

“The work continues. Serving the people has always been our motto, and we continue to do that.”

 

Leonard Carballo, Orange Walk Mayoral Candidate, UDP

“This moment calls for new energy, fresh ideas, and leadership that is prepared to move beyond promises to practical solutions.”

 

In Dangriga, Mayor Robert Mariano is predicting another decisive PUP victory. But UDP challenger Dwayne Sampson is pointing to his community work as proof that he is ready to lead.

Robert Mariano, Dangriga Mayoral Candidate, PUP

“We say it in Garifuna [     ]. It means that we’re going to put a beating on the United Democratic Party in Dangriga.”

 

Dwayne Sampson, Dangriga Mayoral Candidate, UDP

“The people of Dangriga have seen me being active for almost two decades.”

 

Further south, Punta Gorda has an open race. PUP candidate Maclovio Ack is promising new energy while continuing his party’s work. The UDP’s Frank “Kranka” Polonio is back on the ballot after narrowly losing the 2024 contest to Carlos Galvez.

 

Maclovio Ack, Punta Gorda Mayoral Candidate, PUP

“We are ready. We bring new energy, fresh ideas, strong leadership, and we will continue the work that the People’s United Party has started.”

 

Frank “Kranka” Polonio, Punta Gorda Mayoral Candidate, UDP

“This is no easy task. However, if you are like me, then you know the dynamics of politics have changed significantly in Belize. People want leaders.”

 

But the biggest prize is Belize City, where voters are guaranteed a new mayor. Deputy Mayor Eluide Miller wants to keep City Hall in PUP hands. Attorney Jacqueline Willoughby carries the UDP banner and says frustration with the governing party is growing on the ground.

 

Eluide Miller, Belize City Mayoral Candidate, PUP

“Let us show Belize once again that our party knows how to bring good people together and deliver for them.”

 

Jacqueline Willoughby, Belize City Mayoral Candidate, UDP

“I can tell you that on the ground, people are tired of the PUP. That is the reality on the ground.”

 

The candidates are now on the campaign trail, but the stakes stretch far beyond drains, streets and garbage collection. For the PUP, March third will test whether its national popularity can hold at the municipal level. For the UDP, the election will measure whether the party can regain ground and prove its viability under Tracy Panton’s leadership. Shane Williams for News Five.

 

Attention readers: This online newscast is a direct transcript of our evening television broadcast. When speakers use Kriol, we have carefully rendered their words using a standard spelling system.

 

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