It's been long without a decisive victory at the polls, and current political wisdom says that for the UDP leadership to remain viable it must score major victories in next year's municipal elections and that means taking back City Hall. It's easier said than done though; the UDP has not ruled the hall for 20 years. Well on October 23, the UDP will make an important step on its quest for a municipal resurgence when it decides who will be its mayoral candidate. 5 hopefuls have thrown their hats into the contest. The most recent entrant into the race is also the most celebrated; widely known union activist Zenaida Moya declared her candidacy today and 7NEWS was there.
Jules Vasquez Reporting, [jules.Vasquez@gmail.com]
Looking completely re-loaded for the political battles ahead and flanked by her campaign manager Michael Finnegan, the political brand identified only by the letter "Z ", Zenaida Moya, launched her candidacy. In attendance was UDP royalty such as Manuel Esquivel and celebrity endorsers like fellow unionist Elena Smith.
Elena Smith, BNTU Branch President
"We can just look at her and say, wow, she is great for our city."
And Kathy Esquivel from the UDP's National Organization for Women.
Kathy Esquivel, UDP N.O.W.
"I don't know when political became a dirty word. It is not a dirty word, it is about policies but you know everyone says, 'oh that is political, you can't do that it's too political.' So what's wrong with politics? That is what government is all about and so I think the fact that people have overcome that negative aspect and said, "its political," but this is a political problem and we have a political situation and Zenaida has step forward."
And Moya made her bid to transition from activism to politics.
Zenaida Moya, UDP Candidate for Mayor
"I see the potential of our people, I see the potential of Belize City, and I have a vision that can help Belize City. My vision is for every child, woman, and man to live in a clean and safe city. Let us ensure that Belize City is properly governed, let us ensure that Belize City is properly managed. Come out and vote for hope, come out and vote Zenaida Moya for mayor."
It's a call to voters she can only make as a former public officer - now a jobless aspirant.
Zenaida Moya,
"Yes I have resigned from the public service. Sometimes in life you have to make sacrifices to ensure change in the society that you live and I have made that sacrifice. I have resigned, yes I have lost all my benefits but that means nothing to me if I am serving my people. I could not be cooped anywhere. And as for being unemployed, I see myself as the next mayor of Belize City."
And while Moya hit all the right speaking points, for us at 7NEWS who've interviewed her countless times since January, we had to ask, what's up with the new look?
Jules Vasquez,
Do you feel that a makeover of your image, because you are one of the people we've interviewed and seen most since January of this year, and your image is remodeled right now, we'd just like to know if this is part of your candidacy. Do you feel that an image makeover is part of your candidacy?
Zenaida Moya,
"Ahh man Jules, lawd man, what are you trying to say. Well first of all let me address that one: when you are out there, like us, when we are out there really being active and in the streets, should I look like this? Should I look like this? No. This is a press launch and yes, believe it or not, when I go to work, I always look quite put together; hair done and everything done." [Applause.]
Jules Vasquez,
How do you address a male who for whatever primitive or sexist reasons believe women should not lead? How would you inspire that person to vote for you?
Zenaida Moya,
"We live in a man's world. I have been there, done that, and I continue." [Applause]
In the October 23rd convention, Moya will battle Kenrick Ysaguirre, Sir Andy, Ernesto Torres, and Bernard Watler.
