Miller Says PM Never Asked Him to Step Aside

Deputy Mayor Eluide Miller is staying in the race for the People’s United Party’s Belize City mayoral nomination, and he wants the record set straight: Prime Minister John Briceño never asked him to withdraw.

Miller said he met with the party leader and had a “candid discussion” about the upcoming municipal elections, including the question of his own participation. “I subsequently informed the Prime Minister that I fully intend to participate, and he was very respectful of my decision,” he said.

Reports emerged last week that efforts were underway behind the scenes to push Miller aside and clear the path for Allan Pollard Jr. Sources told News 5 that Pollard’s camp had been lobbying senior party figures, and reportedly the Prime Minister himself, through Deputy Prime Minister Cordel Hyde, to get Miller to reconsider his bid.

Belize City Councillor Kaya Cattouse had also taken to Facebook, calling out what she described as a shift in position after the party had initially encouraged an open contest.

“A week ago, we were told that everyone had the right to run and that democracy should take its course. Today, because the numbers are not lining up the same way, there are now attempts to force a different outcome,” Cattouse had written.

Miller said, “I was never instructed or encouraged by the Prime Minister and Party Leader, Hon. John Briceño, to withdraw from the Belize City Mayoral Convention.”

The National Executive of the PUP has confirmed a convention will be held for Belize City.