For weeks, Mayor Bernard Wagner has maintained that he will only run as PUP's mayoral candidate if he is endorsed. However, last week, we told you that the party had published its convention dates including Belize City. But reports to our newsroom were that it would be a councillors convention only.
Today when we asked the Mayor about it, it seemed that he knew even less than we did about his fate.
Bernard Wagner, Mayor of Belize City
"I really, I'm telling you, I'm really honest and sincere about it, I have no knowledge of what is occurring in respect to convention or no convention, I am telling you all the truth."
Courtney Menzies:
"Because it was published in the newspaper, in the Belize Times."
Bernard Wagner, Mayor of Belize City
"Yeah so if that is the direction then you all know my response already."
Courtney Menzies:
"But do you feel strange that they are not communicating with you?"
Bernard Wagner, Mayor of Belize City
"Of course, you would want more communication occurring, it's important that we keep the communication lines open because when there's no communication then disruption occurs."
Reporter:
"On a day like today, Service Day, when you speak of democracy, would you agree that not having a convention to select or elect a mayor would be seen by some as somewhat stifling of democracy?"
Bernard Wagner, Mayor of Belize City
"Again, that's the party's decision. I continue to maintain that I respect the party's decision. I am not telling the party you have to go this direction, I will respect their decision."
We tried to talk to the Party Chairman Henry Usher at the same event, but he said he isn't giving interviews today.
