A Risky Run? Jackie Willoughby Bets on the UDP

Belize City mayoral hopeful Jacqueline Willoughby says she is ready to step into the rough and tumble world of electoral politics. The career public servant and unionist has submitted her application to contest the 2027 municipal elections for the United Democratic Party. But her decision comes at a challenging time for the UDP, with political analysts giving the opposition party a steep hill to climb at the polls. So today, we asked Willoughby why she wants to enter what many call the nasty game of politics, and why she chose to do it under the UDP banner.

 

Jacqueline Willoughby, Mayoral Candidate, UDP

“I’ve given over thirty-five years of public service in Belize. It was not only as an employee, it was as a trade unionist, as a negotiator, as a lecturer, as a counselor. So in my heart and mind, it is embedded in me to serve people. How could Belize benefit from me? I am sure people are tired of hearing political rhetoric, “Vote for me because I could do it.” I can’t speak for politicians that go before me, but I can speak on my proven track record that I am a public servant and I continue to serve people. People are at the heart of my game. And I think Belize can benefit from my leadership style, my management, my, my management professionalism, and my heart of service. I think one of the things that is very telling about this council is the most recent tax hike of 18% across the board without proper assessment. I see that there are no cascading considerations for people who are elderly, for people who might be sick. My message to residents is you are my boss. I’m seeking your vote, but you are to hold me accountable. There is no way I can make the city better if I don’t partner with you or you don’t partner with me. I bring to the seat integrity. I bring honesty. I bring leadership. Yes, I’m under the banner of the United Democratic Party, but this is not the same UDP you used to know. This is a reformed, honest, full of integrity, freshness that you will find under the United Democratic Party and under the leadership of the Honorable Tracy Tega Panton.”

 

Since resigning from public service, Jacqueline Willoughby now serves as an attorney-at-law.

 

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.

 

Watch the full newscast here: