Municipal elections will be held in 15 days - and today over 140 candidates countrywide were nominated for the 67 seats which are up for grabs in Belize's 7 towns and two cities.
Our teams were out west, up north, and in the city - and we'll have coverage from all those areas.
We start in the city at the ITVET where 22 PUDP candidates and a few independents were nominated for the 10 councillor and one mayoral seat.
The morning belonged to the PUP as the current mayor and his slate entered the compound backed by few supporters as limited by COVID safety regulations. Courtney Menzies was at the ITVET and has this report.
This morning, the blue wave rolled into the ITVET compound as the mayoral and councilor candidates prepared to be officially nominated.
For some, it is their first time trying their hand at politics. But for others, like the current Mayor, Bernard Wagner, it is the second time vying for office.
But while the electorate speculates that the council has failed to do its mandate, Wagner reminded everyone that they've maneuvered through a UDP central government as well as a pandemic which, in his eyes, is success.
Bernard Wagner, Mayoral Candidate
"We have been on the ground not only for the past 2 weeks, but we have been on the ground for the past 3 years as a city council and so we believe that the work we have put in as a city council in terms of the social infrastructure, in terms of physical infrastructure - all in a pandemic environment. I believe that that in itself is success. The fact of the matter is that our council came under a UDP regime. We were not given any hands-out compared to the previous council. The previous council had in its coffers over 40 million given from central government to them in the area of bond and in terms of funds from petro-caribe."
"We were in a Covid pandemic for 1 year. Prior to that 1 year we were well on our way to achieving most of our manifesto, which our manifesto we have completed about 90% of it. The fact of the marter is that you cannot compare this current city council that was in for 2-3 years with the previous council who was there for 12 years and so success in terms of the residents - some residents may define success by cement streets, by bloated contracts, no. we define success by reaching out to the people. We have done tremendous work in impacting the lives of our residents in this city. We feel more comforted now that given that we have a central government that will be able to work along with this council we are excited and that is why we have these young people with us that they are driven and they want to see success for the city. We want to ensure that the quality of lives for city residents improve."
Another candidate who is no stranger to the polls is Allan Pollard. This is Pollard third time being nominated as he contested the general elections - which he lost. Now he's back running for City Hall but despite his loss in November, he believes he still has the people's vote.
Allan Pollard, Councilor Candidate
"I think that compare with what we've done, I think there is so much more that we can do as a entire council, not just me personally and in many different areas and I think with now the collaboration from the central government I think we could really get the local government involved in PlanBelize and that's the overall plan for the nation. The best way that this city council could incorporate in that, that would be excellent."
Reporter
"You've gain the people's favor and that was seen in the general elections. People love you, but they know now that your end goal is central government. How do you plan on keeping that trust?"
Allan Pollard, Councilor Candidate
"That trust is something that can't erase given the track record, given how we've carried ourselves in office, the work that we've done in local government, I think people are so more excited rather than worried about my transition. I think people are excited for me to come back and just based on the feedback that I've been getting campaigning from house to house, people are very excited that I am still here, so I don't think there is any ill feeling for them."
And while his fellow candidate, Kaya Cattouse, is new to the political area, she is not new to the people of Belize. Cattouse is a well-known cyclist and she plans to take her knowledge of health and fitness to City Hall.
Kaya Cattouse, Councilor Candidate
"This name has been a household name due to my accolades and my accomplishments in sports both at home and internationally. Now I want to transfer all this dedication, determination, the passion I have for my sports and for the champion I have become to my political career. The reception has been overwhelming. People are very happy that I have chosen to give up myself and serve for the people and a phrase that I have been using on the campaign trail is to become a champion for the people. My aim and objectives before going on this venture has been sports, healthy living in that field and that category of things and definitely coming to the council that is what I bring to the table. Imagine a city erupting with sporting activities on a yearly basis, not only for a particular of time or on weekends or during teh summer time. Imagine our residents being able to have access to exercise right within their constituencies. These are things that we plan to bring to the table."
Cattouse is one of four women who are a part of the PUP 11. Deannie Requena is another - and not only is she a woman in politics, at 21 she is also the youngest councilor candidate countrywide. And while some may scoff at her age, she's confident about bringing the youth perspective to City Hall.
Deannie Requena, Councilor Candidate
"As a young person we've always had to take the back seat when it comes to social issues. They told us that we don't need to get into grown folks business and that is why I am here to get involved. Yes we are the future of Belize, but we need to start take action now and that is the platform that I'm jumping on."
Reporter
"As a young woman you've already been targeted by cyberbullying without even being elected as yet and you know this might happen more once you get elected. How are you planning to deal with this?"
Deannie Requena, Councilor Candidate
"I don't feed into negativity, I am on a positive journey and that is what I'll stay on."
