Last night we told you about the committal warrant Magistrate Sharon Frazer issued for PUP Mayoral candidate and current city councilor Marshall Nunez. The warrant was issued on November 24th after Nunez failed to come up with money the court had ordered him to pay complainant Bruce Sanchez. Under the law police were supposed to pick up Nunez and commit him to prison. But that never happened and today Nunez told us it never will because it's been taken care of. And so why didn't a current City Councilor pay his debt? Well Nunez says that even for a mayoral candidate, "life haad out yah."
Marshall Nunez, PUP Mayoral Candidate
"That is something that we have taken care of, it's a very minor thing. But there is a point that I want you all to know and that is that I have been involved in electoral politics for ten years and there is a clear indication that I have not been enriched from politics. I am still humble, still poor and still live like many of the people in Belize City. That is me, that is everyday living for most people."
Keith Swift,
Do you admit then that you did owe this guy, you didn't pay him, and so he had to take you to court?
Marshall Nunez,
"I told you that was a minor incident, yes, and we arranged to take care of it. I don't know why you want to blow that out of proportion and get political mileage off of that. That is a everyday occurrence for many people in Belize City. But I think the point I want emphasize to for you is that it's simply clear, that for all the ten years that I have been in the City Council, I have not enriched myself at the expense of the people in Belize City. I live like the people in Belize City because I am one of the residents in Belize City. Its clear."
Keith Swift,
That is why you couldn't pay the $1,000 for the bike or whatever it is you bought?
Marshall Nunez,
"That is why it is being paid."
Keith Swift,
Some would say that because of that warrant you belong in jail.
Marshall Nunez,
"That is what some people would say. I would say that I am like everyday people."
Keith Swift,
Some would that say if you can't take care of your own debt, you can't take care of a city.
Marshall Nunez,
"I have been taking care of the city Keith."
Of course, for most of the residents of the city, when a commitment warrant is issued, they are imprisoned. This commitment warrant obtained by creditor and bike shop owner Bruce Sanchez was in relation to a bicycle Nunez had bought on credit.
