UDP Challengers Take Aim at Town and City Council Incumbents

Launching its campaign for the March 2027 municipal elections, Party Leader Tracy Panton unveiled nine mayoral candidates under the battle cry, “911, It’s a National Emergency.” The party points to the rising cost of living, crime, crumbling infrastructure and unreliable municipal services as signs that communities urgently need new leadership. From Belize City to Punta Gorda, the candidates say they are ready to challenge the incumbents and convince voters that the UDP can deliver change. But will the party’s message of crisis and renewal connect with an electorate still weighing its options? News Five’s Paul Lopez reports.

 

Paul Lopez, Reporting

The United Democratic Party says Belize is facing a national emergency, and it believes its municipal teams can help turn things around. That message is driving the UDP’s 2027 campaign under the slogan, “911, It’s a National Emergency.” This morning, the party officially introduced its nine mayoral candidates at its Belize City headquarters.

 

Tracy Panton, Leader, United Democratic Party

“9.1.1., It’s a National Emergency, reflects the urgency Belizeans feel every day. The rising cost of living, public safety concerns, deteriorating infrastructure and unreliable municipal services.”

 

One by one, the UDP’s mayoral candidates stepped up to introduce themselves and lay out their plans for their towns and cities. Speaking before a packed room of party supporters, each contender predicted victory in March 2027. But among the nine hopefuls, one candidate brought considerably    more experience to the race: four-time mayor Earl Trapp.

 

Earl Trapp, Mayor, San Ignacio/Santa Elena

“As I am prepared to seek a fifth term, 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.”

 

Attorney Jacqueline Willoughby is seeking office in Belize City as the UDP’s mayoral candidate. But can she overcome Eluide Miller, the PUP’s financial muscle and its convention momentum?

 

Jacqueline Willoughby, UDP Mayoral Candidate, Belize City

“Which momentum are you referring to? They only had a momentum for convention, but I can tell you that on the ground, people are tired of the PUP. That is the reality on the ground. So, how do I feel, one hundred percent successful. You will interview me again, when the votes are calculated, as the mayor of this city.”

 

The road ahead may be just as difficult for Richie Galvez. The UDP’s Belmopan mayoral candidate must unseat incumbent Pablo Cawich while also taking on his full council team.

 

Richie Galvez, UDP Mayoral Candidate, Belmopan

“They have the millions, but we have the love of the common people. Yes, I have all the support and understand when I talk about the support it might not be financially, but I have that moral support. The party leader always check in, standard bearers.”

 

In Orange Walk Town, Leonard Carballo, who is reportedly the relative of a former town councilor, is going up against Ladrick “Mad Bull” Sheppard.

 

Leonard Carballo, UDP Mayoral Candidate, Orange Walk

“You may be asking, why now. Well, this moment calls for new energy, fresh ideas and leadership that is prepared to move beyond promises to practical solutions. I want to help create an Orange Walk where businesses can grow, entrepreneurs can thrive and people want to invest.”

 

After a heated Independence Day exchange with Area Representative Osmond Martinez, Franklin “Kranka” Polonio made his bid for Punta Gorda mayor official today.

 

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

“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.”

 

The United Democratic Party is also fielding Dwayne Sampson as its mayoral candidates in Dangriga, Roberto Lopez in Corozal Town, Joseph Elijio in San Pedro Town, and Yusef Guerra in Benque Viejo.

 

Tracy Panton, Leader, United Democratic Party

“The UDP has a well-established reputation of not just talking the talk, not just walking the walking, but delivering on its commitments we give to the Belizean people.”

 

The UDP says its candidates are ready to deliver, but the final verdict rests with voters. When municipal elections arrive in March 2027, the party will find out whether its “911, It’s a National Emergency” campaign is a winning call for change or simply a slogan that failed to connect. Reporting for News Five, I am Paul Lopez.

 

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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