Two years ago this week, Mayor Zenaida Moya and her 10 councilors were swept into office with a landslide victory. It was a massive win - ending the PUP's 18 year reign at City Hall - a victory eclipsed perhaps only by the UDP''s victory in the general election last month. And that’s why two years later- Moya and her council are celebrating the second anniversary of that victory. 94 businesses and individuals were recognized for their assistance to the council at a business awards ceremony this afternoon. At the top of that list is Jack Charles from Extra House Supermarket - who sponsors the council's feeding program at the Battlefield Park. We spoke to him and the Mayor.
Zenaida Moya, Mayor of Belize City
“There are some individuals who have helped us with our community programs, persons like Mr. Jack Charles from Extra House who every two weeks he has continued to assist us to ensure that we can continue with the homeless feeding program.”
Jack Charles, Extra House Supermarket
“Basically what we are doing is a feeding program like the mayor told you and personally I would give a compliment to the mayor for organizing the feeding program. My contribution would be meaningless without the Mayor because she is the one who does everything – I just do the contribution – that’s all. We are doing this for the homeless, the needy people. At least they are getting a good meal every two weeks and that is, yes we are greedy but for blessings – not for anything else.”
Zenaida Moya,
“I must say the businesses on a whole have been quite supportive in many different areas, in the upliftment of Belize City, in the upliftment of the lives of our people, in really working with us in ensuring more hope and opportunities for our people.”
The City Council's second anniversary celebrations continue tomorrow with a citywide cleanup campaign. Councilor in charge of sanitation Wayne Usher says that beginning at 6 am and ending at 6 pm - crews from the City Council will be circling the city and picking up garbage for free. He today made an appeal for residents to join in.
Wayne Usher, City Councilor
“We’re asking people to put out their garbage, clean out their yards, but everything outside and the council, free of charge, free of cost, will be moving whatever is put out by the residents. The idea is to start with that, get them to clean out, get them used to the idea of cleaning out their environment. We prefer for it to be bagged but because we are doing also yard cleaning, not everything will be able to be bagged but we are asking residents to within reason put out what the council can remove safely and quickly rather than the old vat or that type of thing. We’re asking them to be reasonable with what they put out and by all means – clean up the place.”
On Thursday there will be the feeding program at the Battlefield Park and an awards ceremony for City Council employees will round out the week of activities on Friday.
