The 209th anniversary of the Battle of St. George’s Caye is Monday, the tenth of September, but there might not be a grand celebration in your town or city because the Mayor’s Association says their councils don’t have any money. The association today released a letter sent to Prime Minister Said Musa on July 27th - asking him to basically – run di money for the September celebrations. Well six weeks later government hasn’t “run the money”. President of the Association is Belize City Mayor Zenaida Moya and she told us this evening that no money from government will severely affect tenth of September activities.
Zenaida Moya, President – Mayor’s Assoc.
“As you know, the tenth September is Monday right here and nothing. This letter was sent July 26th 2007. That is one and a half month ago and no response from the Prime Minister.”
Keith Swift,
So not getting this money, how will this affect celebrations, for example in Belize City?
Zenaida Moya,
“Well as it pertains to Belize City, as people who have come in to the city would see, the Belize City Council has been very proactive in ensuring that we move ahead. Whilst we really need the money and the City Council is in a cash crunch, we have been diligent in ensuring that the different streamers are up, we will put the pimento very shortly, and we are already moving full speed ahead in terms of making arrangements for the different logistics, we are in charge of logistics as well for the September celebrations.
This particular PUP central government, I believe has been very consistent in not assisting us to deal with the different expenses as it pertains to the tenth September celebrations. I believe they will ensure that we do get the money for the 21st September for the independence. And whilst I am happy that they are looking at the 21st September, I will also want them to appreciate the tenth September and the value of it to our people and ensure the different municipalities get their fair share to have the people enjoy themselves on that day.”
Cabinet Secretary Robert Leslie confirmed to us this evening that no money has been disbursed. He says the matter is in the hands of the Financial Secretary. According to Leslie, the problem is that the budget for the September celebrations is insufficient and government is trying to find a way to meet all the demands. He says government will try and accommodate those demands.
